Dillon Gabriel has quickly risen through the ranks of college football as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in recent years. With an impressive skill set and an ability to lead his team to victory, Gabriel’s stats have drawn attention from fans, analysts, and scouts alike. This article will take an in-depth look at Dillon Gabriel’s statistics, career progression, and what makes him such a dynamic quarterback. We will explore his early years, college career stats, notable performances, and what the future holds for the young signal-caller.
Early Life and High School Career
Before delving into Dillon Gabriel’s college stats, it is important to understand his roots and how he came to prominence. Dillon Gabriel was born on September 28, 2000, in Mililani, Hawaii. Growing up in the Aloha State, Gabriel honed his skills in a football program that is known for producing talented athletes.
Gabriel attended Mililani High School, where he became a standout quarterback. His high school career was marked by impressive numbers, including a record-breaking senior season. He passed for over 4,000 yards, threw for 47 touchdowns, and led his team to a state championship. Gabriel’s performance in high school garnered significant attention, and he soon became one of the most sought-after recruits in Hawaii.
College Career Beginnings at UCF
Dillon Gabriel began his college football career at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he committed as a four-star recruit. Gabriel arrived at UCF with high expectations, and he didn’t take long to prove that he was ready for the big stage. He became the starting quarterback for the UCF Knights as a freshman and quickly made a name for himself.
Freshman Year (2019)
In his freshman season, Dillon Gabriel was nothing short of sensational. He started in 13 games and led UCF to an 11-3 record, finishing the season ranked 18th in the country. Gabriel threw for 3,653 yards and 29 touchdowns, with a completion rate of 60.7%. His performance was impressive, considering that he was playing in his first year of college football.
Gabriel’s most notable performance during his freshman year came against UConn, where he threw for 440 yards and 5 touchdowns, showcasing his arm strength and ability to execute big plays. He also became the first freshman quarterback in UCF history to throw for over 3,500 yards in a season.
Sophomore Year (2020)
Dillon Gabriel returned for his sophomore season in 2020, and he continued to build on his success from his freshman year. While UCF didn’t have the same level of team success in 2020, finishing with a 6-4 record, Gabriel’s individual performance remained strong. He threw for 3,570 yards and 32 touchdowns, maintaining a completion rate of 61.6%.
One of Gabriel’s standout performances in 2020 came in a victory against Memphis, where he threw for 600 yards and 4 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to sling the ball all over the field. His 600-yard game was one of the highest single-game passing totals in UCF history and was a testament to his passing accuracy and ability to stretch the field.
Junior Year (2021)
After two solid seasons at UCF, Dillon Gabriel’s junior year was expected to be a breakout year for the quarterback. However, Gabriel’s 2021 season took an unexpected turn when he suffered a broken collarbone in a game against Louisville early in the season. The injury caused Gabriel to miss most of the year, cutting short what could have been another high-level season for him.
Before the injury, Gabriel had completed 60.7% of his passes for 814 yards and 9 touchdowns over the first three games. Although his season was shortened, Gabriel’s potential as a quarterback was clear. His ability to read defenses, make precise throws, and lead the offense with poise stood out.
Transfer to the University of Oklahoma
After the 2021 season, Dillon Gabriel made the decision to transfer to the University of Oklahoma to play for head coach Brent Venables. This move came after the departure of former Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler and the arrival of Venables as the new head coach. Gabriel’s decision to transfer to Oklahoma was seen as an opportunity for him to further develop his skills in a competitive program with a rich football tradition.
At Oklahoma, Dillon Gabriel was expected to step in as the starting quarterback and help the Sooners compete for a national championship. His stats from his time at UCF, coupled with his leadership qualities, made him an immediate favorite to lead Oklahoma’s offense.
Dillon Gabriel’s Stats at Oklahoma (2022)
In 2022, Dillon Gabriel played his first season with the Oklahoma Sooners. While it was a season of adjustment for both Gabriel and the program under new head coach Brent Venables, Gabriel was able to showcase his skills and prove that he was ready for the challenge of playing in the Big 12 Conference. Gabriel played in 12 games during the 2022 season, throwing for 3,168 yards and 25 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 66.2%. His performance helped the Sooners finish with a respectable 6-6 record in a season that was filled with ups and downs.
Notable Performances
Gabriel had several standout games in 2022 that highlighted his potential as a future NFL prospect. In a win over Kansas, Gabriel threw for 403 yards and 4 touchdowns, displaying his ability to lead the offense in a high-scoring game. He also had a strong performance in a close loss to Texas, where he threw for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns, proving that he could hang with some of the top quarterbacks in the country.
One of Gabriel’s most memorable moments from the 2022 season came in the Red River Rivalry game against Texas, where he led a thrilling comeback in the second half. Despite the Sooners falling short in the end, Gabriel’s resilience and ability to make plays in clutch moments earned him respect from both fans and analysts.
Dillon Gabriel’s Playing Style and Strengths
Dillon Gabriel’s success on the field can be attributed to a number of factors that make him stand out as a quarterback. Let’s take a closer look at some of his key strengths and attributes.
Arm Strength and Accuracy
One of Gabriel’s most notable traits is his arm strength. He is capable of making every throw on the field, from short, precise passes to deep bombs. His accuracy on deep throws is particularly impressive, and he can stretch defenses by targeting receivers down the field with pinpoint precision. Throughout his career, Gabriel has averaged over 8 yards per attempt, which is a testament to his ability to push the ball downfield effectively. His consistency in hitting targets on both short and long passes has made him a dangerous weapon in the passing game.
Mobility and Playmaking Ability
While Dillon Gabriel is not known for being a dual-threat quarterback like some of his contemporaries, he is a capable runner who can extend plays with his legs when necessary. He has the ability to scramble out of the pocket and make throws on the run, which adds an extra dimension to his game. Gabriel’s mobility also allows him to evade pressure from the defense and keep plays alive, giving his receivers time to get open. While he’s not necessarily a prolific runner, he is effective in short-yardage situations and when the play breaks down.
Leadership and Mental Toughness
Another aspect of Dillon Gabriel’s game that stands out is his leadership. Throughout his college career, Gabriel has consistently shown poise and confidence, even in challenging situations. He has a calm demeanor in the pocket and is known for making clutch throws when his team needs it most. Gabriel has also earned the respect of his teammates, who view him as a vocal and inspirational leader both on and off the field. His mental toughness was evident during his recovery from a collarbone injury in 2021, and he bounced back from adversity to become a key player for Oklahoma in 2022. Gabriel’s ability to stay focused and composed under pressure is one of his greatest assets.
Career Stats Summary
Let’s take a look at Dillon Gabriel’s overall college stats and how he has performed throughout his career at UCF and Oklahoma:
Passing Yards (Career): 14,000+ yards
Touchdowns (Career): 105+ touchdowns
Completion Percentage: 62.8%
Passer Rating: 158.2
Interceptions (Career): 15
Rushing Yards: 600+ yards
Rushing Touchdowns: 10+ touchdowns
These numbers reflect a solid and highly productive college career, with Dillon Gabriel being consistently among the top quarterbacks in terms of passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating.
What the Future Holds for Dillon Gabriel
As of 2025, Dillon Gabriel is continuing his development at Oklahoma and is likely to be a key player in the Sooners’ quest for a Big 12 title. His combination of talent, leadership, and potential has made him one of the top quarterbacks to watch in college football. Looking ahead, Gabriel’s next step will be determining his path to the NFL. With his impressive college stats and potential for growth, he is expected to be a candidate for the NFL Draft once his college career concludes. His arm strength, mobility, and accuracy make him a desirable prospect for NFL teams looking for a strong-armed, poised quarterback.
FAQs
Who is Dillon Gabriel and what are his career statistics?
Dillon Gabriel is a talented quarterback currently playing for the University of Oklahoma (OU). Known for his strong arm and dual-threat abilities, Gabriel made a name for himself as a highly efficient passer and playmaker. Before transferring to Oklahoma, he played for the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he set several school records. Gabriel is often praised for his mobility in the pocket and ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground.
As of the latest season, Gabriel has posted impressive numbers with both UCF and OU, throwing for over 10,000 career passing yards, 80+ touchdowns, and maintaining a solid passer rating. His rushing yards also show his ability to contribute to his team’s success in multiple facets.
What are Dillon Gabriel’s passing stats in the 2023 season?
Dillon Gabriel had a standout 2023 season at Oklahoma, where he put up impressive passing statistics. He threw for over 3,000 yards, with around 25 touchdowns, and maintained a solid completion percentage above 65%. Gabriel’s ability to make accurate passes and maintain control over the game was evident in the way he executed Oklahoma’s high-paced offense. These stats solidified his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
How does Dillon Gabriel perform in terms of rushing yards?
In addition to his skills as a passer, Dillon Gabriel is also a dual-threat quarterback, which allows him to make plays with his legs. In the 2023 season, Gabriel rushed for over 300 yards and several rushing touchdowns, showcasing his ability to escape pressure and extend plays outside the pocket. While he is not known for running the ball as much as some other quarterbacks, his mobility is a valuable asset in key situations, especially in short-yardage or red-zone scenarios.
What is Dillon Gabriel’s career passer rating?
Dillon Gabriel’s career passer rating has been highly efficient, consistently above 150, which is considered an impressive figure in college football. His ability to maintain accuracy and make intelligent decisions with the football contributes to this high rating. Gabriel’s efficiency is one of the reasons why he’s been able to lead high-powered offenses throughout his career at both UCF and Oklahoma.
How does Dillon Gabriel compare to other quarterbacks in college football?
Dillon Gabriel is often regarded as one of the more consistent and underrated quarterbacks in college football. While he may not always be at the forefront of Heisman conversations, his stats put him in the conversation with the top quarterbacks. He compares favorably to quarterbacks in the Big 12 and other conferences in terms of passing yards, touchdowns, and overall efficiency. His experience and dual-threat ability give him a versatile edge over many of his peers.
What are Dillon Gabriel’s touchdown-to-interception ratios?
Throughout his career, Dillon Gabriel has demonstrated solid decision-making. His touchdown-to-interception ratio has been consistently positive, with more touchdowns than interceptions in every season. In the 2023 season, Gabriel threw 25 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions, which speaks to his ability to limit turnovers and make smart plays. His low interception count also highlights his accuracy and discipline in avoiding risky throws.
In Summary
Dillon Gabriel’s college football career has been marked by impressive stats and notable performances. From his early years at UCF to his time at Oklahoma, Gabriel has consistently proven that he is one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His combination of skills, leadership, and mental toughness makes him a player to watch as he continues to develop and pursue his dream of playing in the NFL.
As he moves forward in his career, Gabriel’s legacy in college football will be defined by his remarkable stats, his ability to perform in big moments, and his leadership on and off the field. Fans can expect even more excitement and impressive performances from Dillon Gabriel in the years to come.
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