Dillon Gabriel's spring game: Oregon QB's performance highlights, stats and more

Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oregon from Oklahoma following the conclusion of the 2023 college football season. He was widely expected to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the quarterback decided to play one more season in college football before becoming a pro.

Gabriel participated in the Ducks spring game on Saturday at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene. He led the Green Team to a 28-23 victory over the White. His final possession touchdown pass helped secure the win in the matchup.

Without a doubt, Dillon Gabriel impressed many Oregon fans on Saturday. He completed 14 of 21 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. He was, however, sacked twice during the game. Nonetheless, he was the standout performer of the spring game at the Autzen Stadium.

Will Dillon Gabriel lead Oregon to success in 2024?

While Dillon Gabriel playing under Dan Lanning was not what many anticipated, it looks like a combination bound to achieve something big. Oregon did brilliantly with Bo Nix leading its offense last season and will be hoping to do even better as Gabriel takes over.

The Ducks reached the Pac-12 championship game last season and narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff. At a time during the season, they were playing like the best team in the nation and many touted them for significant success at the end of the season.

While the Ducks were unable to achieve their goals last season, the arrival of Gabriel comes as a big boost ahead of next season. The quarterback threw for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2023 as Oklahoma came back strong following the disappointment of the 2022 season.

Is Dillon Gabriel a Heisman Trophy candidate?

At some point during the 2023 college football season, Dillon Gabriel was considered among the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy. This is especially after his late touchdown pass to seal a win against rival Texas in the Bedlam Series.

However, the quarterback did not finish in the award’s top-10 voting. Nonetheless, with the majority of players who made the final 10 for the award now in the NFL, there's a good chance that Gabriel will be a contender for the coveted honor in the upcoming season.

After Bo Nix failed to secure the award last season, Gabriel could become the first Oregon Heisman winner since Marcus Mariota in 2014. The environment in Eugene offers him all that is needed to achieve that.