Browns' Dillon Gabriel holds surprising lead in notable aspect of Cleveland QB competition

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, July 26th 2025 at 15:24 GMT by The Sporting News
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The lefty rookie got lots of chances.

Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel Emerges as Surprising Contender in Early 2024 Heisman Trophy Odds

In the ever-unpredictable world of college football, where preseason hype can make or break a player's legacy, one name has unexpectedly risen to the top of the conversation for the 2024 Heisman Trophy: Dillon Gabriel. The veteran quarterback, now suiting up for the Oregon Ducks after stints at UCF and Oklahoma, finds himself in a surprising position according to the latest odds from major sportsbooks. As the college football season inches closer, Gabriel's placement ahead of several high-profile favorites has sparked widespread debate among analysts, fans, and scouts alike. This development not only highlights Gabriel's resilience and skill but also underscores the shifting dynamics in how Heisman contenders are evaluated in an era dominated by transfer portals, NIL deals, and evolving offensive schemes.

Gabriel's journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Starting his collegiate career at the University of Central Florida in 2019, he quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 29 touchdowns in his freshman year alone. However, a broken clavicle in 2021 sidelined him, leading to a transfer to Oklahoma, where he continued to impress under head coach Lincoln Riley and later Brent Venables. Over two seasons with the Sooners, Gabriel amassed more than 6,800 passing yards, 55 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions, showcasing his accuracy, mobility, and leadership on a team in transition. Now, at 23 years old, Gabriel has transferred once more, this time to Oregon, a program with national championship aspirations under head coach Dan Lanning. The Ducks, fresh off a 12-2 season and a Fiesta Bowl victory, are looking to Gabriel to fill the void left by Bo Nix, who departed for the NFL.

What makes Gabriel's current standing in the Heisman odds so surprising is the company he's keeping—or rather, surpassing. According to odds released by DraftKings and FanDuel in early summer, Gabriel sits at +750 to win the Heisman, placing him ahead of established stars like Texas' Quinn Ewers (+900), Georgia's Carson Beck (+1000), and even Alabama's Jalen Milroe (+1400). Only a handful of players, such as Ohio State's Will Howard and Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart, are listed with shorter odds, but Gabriel's position is notable given his relative under-the-radar status compared to quarterbacks from more traditionally dominant programs. Analysts point to several factors contributing to this buzz. First, Oregon's high-powered offense, which ranked second nationally in scoring last season at 41.4 points per game, provides Gabriel with an ideal platform. The Ducks return a wealth of talent, including wide receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, and a stout offensive line that should give Gabriel ample protection and time to dissect defenses.

Moreover, Gabriel's playing style aligns perfectly with modern college football trends. As a left-handed gunslinger with a quick release and the ability to extend plays with his legs, he draws comparisons to NFL stars like Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Vick. His career completion percentage hovers around 62%, and he's shown a knack for minimizing turnovers while maximizing big plays. In an era where dual-threat quarterbacks often steal the Heisman spotlight—think Lamar Jackson in 2016 or Jayden Daniels in 2023—Gabriel's versatility could propel him into the national conversation. Yet, it's his experience that sets him apart. Entering his sixth year of college football, Gabriel brings a level of maturity and poise that younger contenders might lack. He's navigated coaching changes, injuries, and the pressures of high-stakes games, emerging stronger each time. This veteran savvy could be the X-factor in a Pac-12 conference that's now dissolved, with Oregon transitioning to the Big Ten, where they'll face formidable opponents like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.

The surprise element also stems from the broader context of Heisman voting patterns. Historically, the award has favored players from powerhouse programs with massive media exposure. Gabriel, while talented, hasn't always been in the brightest spotlight. His time at UCF was impressive but overshadowed by larger conferences, and at Oklahoma, he played second fiddle to the program's storied history and the Caleb Williams era that preceded him. Now at Oregon, a team with a flashy, innovative brand under Nike's influence, Gabriel has a chance to rewrite his narrative. Early projections suggest the Ducks could start the season ranked in the top five, with a schedule that includes marquee matchups against Ohio State on October 12 and Michigan on November 2. Victories in those games, coupled with gaudy stats—say, 4,000 passing yards and 40 touchdowns—could catapult Gabriel into the Heisman lead.

Critics, however, are quick to temper the enthusiasm. Some argue that Gabriel's odds are inflated due to recency bias from Oregon's recent success rather than his individual merits. Others point to his physical stature—at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, he's undersized compared to prototypical NFL prospects, which might influence voters who consider pro potential. Additionally, the Big Ten's physical style of play could pose challenges for Gabriel, who has thrived in more open, spread offenses. Injuries have been a recurring theme in his career, and staying healthy through a grueling schedule will be paramount. There's also the competition within the Heisman race itself. Ewers, coming off a College Football Playoff appearance with Texas, has the arm talent and pedigree to dominate headlines. Beck, at Georgia, benefits from a defense that keeps games close, allowing for efficient performances. And don't sleep on dark horses like Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava, who could surge if their teams overperform.

Despite these hurdles, Gabriel's supporters see a player on the cusp of greatness. Oregon's coaching staff has raved about his work ethic and quick adaptation to their system. In spring practices, Gabriel reportedly dazzled with his decision-making and ability to connect on deep balls, hinting at a seamless integration. Off the field, his leadership has been a boon for a team blending transfers and returning players. Gabriel's story resonates on a personal level too—he's of Hawaiian descent, bringing cultural representation to the forefront, and his perseverance through adversity inspires many. If he can lead Oregon to an undefeated start and rack up impressive numbers, the Heisman buzz could turn into a full-fledged campaign.

Looking ahead, the 2024 season kicks off for Oregon on August 31 against Idaho, followed by Boise State and Oregon State—winnable games that could allow Gabriel to build early momentum. By midseason, if the Ducks are contending for the Big Ten title and a playoff spot, Gabriel's name will be unavoidable in Heisman discussions. Sportsbooks adjusting his odds in real-time will be telling; a strong September could see him climb even higher, perhaps rivaling the favorites at +500 or better.

In a sport where surprises are the norm, Dillon Gabriel's emergence as a top Heisman contender is a reminder of college football's meritocratic side. It's not always the blue-chip recruits or the players from perennial powerhouses who shine brightest; sometimes, it's the battle-tested veterans who transfer their way to glory. Whether Gabriel ultimately hoists the trophy in New York City remains to be seen, but his surprising spot in the early odds has already made him a player to watch. As the season unfolds, expect debates to intensify, stats to be scrutinized, and Gabriel's every throw to carry added weight. For now, the Oregon quarterback stands as a testament to the idea that in college football, opportunity and talent can converge in the most unexpected ways, creating stars out of journeymen and turning underdogs into legends.

This development also has implications beyond the Heisman. A strong season could boost Gabriel's NFL draft stock, potentially positioning him as a Day 2 pick in 2025. Scouts love his intangibles, and with the league's increasing emphasis on mobile quarterbacks, he could find a home with teams needing a spark. For Oregon, Gabriel's performance is key to their ambitions in the expanded 12-team playoff format. If he delivers, the Ducks could be legitimate national title contenders, adding another layer to his surprising rise.

In wrapping up, Gabriel's story is one of persistence paying off. From the beaches of Hawaii to the fields of Eugene, he's defied odds at every turn. Now, with the Heisman within reach, he's poised to surprise the college football world once more. Fans and analysts alike will be tuning in, eager to see if this veteran signal-caller can turn preseason speculation into postseason hardware. (Word count: 1,248)

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