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And here…we…go…
Former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel knocked over the first transfer portal domino on Saturday when he announced his commitment to the Oregon Ducks.
Gabriel, who began his career at Central Florida, replaces the outgoing Bo Nix, who himself transferred from Auburn before finishing up his career in Eugene.
Gabriel threw for 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns and just six interceptions for the Sooners in 2023.
“Big plays are the name of Gabriel’s game,” Joseph Acosta of SBNation wrote of the lefty. “Entering the portal after two solid years at Oklahoma, Gabriel is a great fit for the wide open style of college football. He has a strong enough arm to test teams downfield, while also being athletic enough to pull on option plays. In two seasons at Oklahoma, Gabriel threw 55 touchdowns to 12 INTs and added 18 touchdowns on the ground. Oregon is the big name to watch here.”
Dillon Gabriel’s Oregon Commitment Could Set Off Chain Reaction
But perhaps more importantly, Gabriel kicks off what’s sure to be a wild transfer window. He’s one of a number of big-name quarterbacks on the market and Oregon was considered a top destination for many.
With both he and the Ducks off the board, it likely won’t be long until the next domino falls.
Washington State transfer Cam Ward was considered a potential target for Oregon. Now he may well find his way to Columbus to replace the outgoing Kyle McCord.
McCord, meanwhile, has been linked to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. All the while standout freshmen such as Aidan Chiles of Oregon State and Dante Moore of UCLA are also looking for homes.
One thing is certain, the Ducks got a good one in Gabriel. And there’s no reason to believe their offense won’t keep rolling along in 2024, even after making the move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten.