TLDR: On Thursday, Oregon Ducks’ coach Dan Lanning, along with student-athletes, participated in the Big Ten Conference Media Day. Among them was Dillon Gabriel, a former quarterback at Oklahoma, marking his first significant step with the Ducks. Gabriel transferred from Oklahoma in December and quickly embraced Oregon’s program. Motivated by factors such as a potential NFL grade, he sought a team allowing greater prospects for long-term success. Oregon aligned perfectly—particularly with the strategic vision of Coach Lanning and Coach Stein. Gabriel’s proactive nature extends off-field, organizing retreats to promote team unity. Drawing comparisons to Marcus Mariota, a fellow Hawaiian and Duck alum, Gabriel dons Mariota’s number 8 with pride and hopes to mirror his achievements. As a preseason All-Big Ten pick and a candidate for the Heisman Trophy, his sights are set firmly on leading Oregon in its inaugural Big Ten season, keen to continue a legacy of excellence within Ducks football history.

On Thursday, the Oregon Ducks showcased their new talent as coach Dan Lanning and several key players attended the Big Ten Conference Media Day. Among the student-athletes was Dillon Gabriel, a quarterback freshly transferred from Oklahoma, joining the Ducks in preparation for an exciting conference transition. Entering his first season with Oregon, Gabriel brings considerable experience from his previous tenure at the University of Oklahoma, quickly becoming an integral part of the Ducks’ roster.

Gabriel’s decision to transfer stems from strategic career planning. After receiving a lower free agent NFL grade, he pivoted to Oregon in search of better long-term opportunities. The Ducks’ alignment with his career goals was plain, especially given the promising discussions with coaches Dan Lanning and Coach Stein. “Oregon was a very easy decision for me,” stated Gabriel, highlighting his positive outlook towards his new role with the team.

Desiring cohesion, Gabriel also emphasizes team spirit, evident in organizing events such as the “Dime Time Retreat.” This innovative approach involves team-building activities from rigorous workouts to shared meals, cultivating camaraderie among team members—a tradition he brought over from Oklahoma to strengthen bonds within the squad at Oregon.

Gabriel is not maintaining a low profile; recently, comparisons have been drawn between him and Marcus Mariota, a revered Oregon alum and fellow Hawaiian quarterback. Both athletes share a fearless approach to leadership, with Gabriel opting to wear the same number, 8, as a nod to Mariota’s formidable legacy. “I wear it with great honor,” Gabriel said, pointing to his deep respect for the shared history and heritage.

As the Ducks brace for their inaugural season in the Big Ten, Gabriel stands poised at the forefront of this transition. With eyes set on accolades such as the Heisman Trophy and high rankings in preseason selections, he is committed to driving his team forward, contributing to the storied legacy of the Oregon Ducks, and shaping his chapter in the annals of their football prowess.