Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel not focused on winning Heisman

Dan Lanning has built a national championship contending program at Oregon, and just like last season with Bo Nix, the Ducks have a quarterback worthy of the Heisman Trophy hype.

Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oregon this offseason to spend his final year of eligibility with the Ducks. He was with the Oklahoma Sooners for two seasons before and was one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, but he transferred out of Norman when offensive coordinator, Jeff Libby, took the head coaching job at Mississippi State.

Gabriel threw for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns (six interceptions) last season for the Sooners while also rushing for 12 touchdowns. He should match if not exceed that production under Lanning at Oregon, meaning he’ll absolutely be a Heisman Trophy contender in 2024 as long as he stays healthy.

Just days before Oregon’s season kick off against Idaho, though, that’s not something Gabriel is focused on.

“I’ve been, not even within talks. I’ve been at the top of the talks, and everything in between, and I just realize that none of it matters, you know. I think, just like people, it’s like, what have you done for me lately? What kind of person have you been to me lately? That’s kind of what I pride myself on. you know. You’re only as good as your last, you know, game or practice or performance. So, that’s what I’m focused on. The rest will take care of itself,” Gabriel recently told members of the media (h/t On3).

If Oregon makes the newly-minted 12-team College Football Playoff and makes a deep run, Gabriel should be up there with Georgia quarterback Carson Beck as one of the top contenders for college football’s most prestigious award.

Any slips and falls on Oregon’s schedule could lead to the Ducks underperforming, though, which hurts any Heisman contender. Gabriel seems to be aware that as long as he helps the Ducks win, he’ll remain in the national spotlight.

Tough games on Oregon’s schedule include against No. 2 Ohio State at home and at No. 9 Michigan in Ann Arbor.

“I’m so, you know, obsessed with just winning,” he said “Like, that’s the main focus and goal, and the rest will take care of itself.”