A national championship run could come with a bit of history for Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel. As the sixth-year senior approaches the Rose Bowl, he stands just 795 yards shy of becoming the all-time leader in FBS passing yards, trailing only Case Keenum. With potentially three games left in the season, the stage is set for Gabriel to make a significant mark in college football history.
The journey of Dillon Gabriel
The path to this potential record has not been straightforward for Gabriel. Starting his collegiate career at UCF, he has experienced both triumph and adversity. The NCAA’s additional COVID-19 year of eligibility, coupled with a season-ending injury that sidelined him for most of 2021, has allowed Gabriel to continue his football journey more than five years after he first stepped onto the field. His resilience is commendable, showcasing his dedication to the sport.
Gabriel’s journey has taken him through various programs, making Oregon his third stop. If you count the brief period he was committed to UCLA before ultimately choosing to replace Caleb Williams at Oklahoma, it’s his fourth. This winding road has not only shaped him as a player but also positioned him for a potential future in the NFL.
Dillon Gabriel’s NFL Draft projection
As Gabriel shines on the college stage, eyes are also turning toward his NFL prospects. This season, he has impressed at multiple stops, even earning a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist. However, despite his accolades, he is not viewed as a top-tier quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
According to the latest rankings, Gabriel is placed at No. 100 overall and No. 6 among quarterbacks by SN’s Vinnie Iyer. This ranking suggests that while he is likely to be selected in April, he will enter the NFL as a developmental prospect rather than an immediate franchise quarterback. Gabriel’s skill set includes a great blend of experience, accuracy, intangibles, and athleticism. However, his size and lack of elite arm strength may limit his appeal to teams looking for a starting quarterback.
Other rankings present a more sobering outlook. The NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus places Gabriel even lower, at No. 167 overall and No. 9 among quarterbacks. This disparity in rankings highlights the uncertainty surrounding his draft stock and future in the league.
What does the future hold for Gabriel?
While Gabriel may not be a high draft pick, he could still find a place in the NFL. Teams with established starters or those looking for a reliable backup might see Gabriel as a valuable long-term option. It’s important to note that quarterback-needy teams, such as the Giants and Raiders, are less likely to target him, given their current situations. Instead, franchises looking to bolster their depth at the position may view him favorably.
A strong performance in the College Football Playoff could significantly impact Gabriel’s draft stock. If he showcases his talents on a national stage, it could elevate him from a mid-round selection to a more favorable position. The potential for growth is there, and with the right development, he could evolve into a solid NFL backup.
NFL Draft QB rankings for 2025
As the draft approaches, it’s essential to keep an eye on the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at the leading prospects according to SN’s Vinnie Iyer:
| Rank | QB | School | Overall rank |
| 1 | Shedeur Sanders | Colorado | 8 |
| 2 | Cam Ward | Miami | 9 |
| 3 | Jalen Milroe | Alabama | 18 |
| 4 | Quinn Ewers | Texas | 33 |
| 5 | Carson Beck | Georgia | 59 |
| 6 | Dillon Gabriel | Oregon | 100 |
Gabriel finds himself in a competitive field, especially with Drew Allar and Garrett Nussmeier announcing their returns to school. This development leaves a thinner quarterback class behind the likes of Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. History shows that teams are often hesitant to reach for quarterbacks they don’t view as potential long-term starters.
Gabriel’s experience, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, makes him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for depth. While he may not be the flashiest name on the board, his journey and determination could resonate with NFL teams seeking a reliable addition to their roster.
In the end, Dillon Gabriel’s story is one of resilience and potential. As he prepares for the College Football Playoff, the eyes of the football world will be watching closely. Will he etch his name in the record books? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Gabriel’s journey is far from over, and the best may be yet to come.
