Former OU football QB Dillon Gabriel announces transfer to Oregon to replace Bo Nix
NORMAN — OU transfer Dillon Gabriel announced his commitment to Oregon on Saturday.
The redshirt senior spent two seasons as the Sooners' starting quarterback before he entered the transfer portal on Monday. He threw for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns this season while also running for career highs of 373 yards and 12 touchdowns.
"The past two years here at OU as a Sooner I have made memories with friends and family that remind me how blessed I am," Gabriel posted on social media on Monday. "I have been able to play football for an amazing group of coaches and alongside men who have become my brothers. More than anything I have grown in faith and love. I appreciate and cherish these memories and relationships forever.
"My time in the Palace was a game time experience I will never forget. Sooner Nation, you held me accountable and I am better for it.
"Coach BV (Brent Venables), my coaches, and the football staff, I am grateful for your care, knowledge, and insight. Most of all, thanks for your faith in me and the opportunity to lead and be a member of OU's team 128 and 129."
Mussatto: Despite Dillon Gabriel's audible, OU football in great spot with Jackson Arnold
Gabriel fills a void for Oregon, which is set to lose Bo Nix this offseason. Nix, a Heisman finalist, has thrown for 4,145 yards and 40 touchdowns in what marks his final season of eligibility.
Oregon's only Heisman winner is quarterback Marcus Mariota (2014), who also became the first Hawaiian-born player to win the award. Gabriel, who is from Mililani, Hawaii, could try to follow in his footsteps.
Meanwhile, OU must turn to freshman quarterback Jackson Arnold. The former five-star prospect threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns in five game appearances this season, and he's viewed by many as the future face of the program.
That future begins on Dec. 28 when OU faces Arizona in the Alamo Bowl.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football's Dillon Gabriel commits to Oregon in transfer portal
