Ducks Digest

Oregon Ducks' Dillon Gabriel To Win Heisman, Follow Marcus Mariota's Footsteps?

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel is on a mission to become the second player from Hawaii to win the Heisman Trophy after Oregon legend Marcus Mariota was the first in 2014. As the 10-0 Ducks eye an undefeated season and a shot at the national championship, Gabriel is building a legacy that reflects Mariota’s impact and inspires the next generation of quarterbacks.

Olivia Cleary

Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs his hand over a metal shaped O with teammates before a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs his hand over a metal shaped O with teammates before a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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EUGENE- Ever since Oregon Ducks starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel arrived at the University of Oregon, the 23-year-old quarterback has drawn comparisons to Oregon Ducks legend and Heisman winner Marcus Mariota. Beyond the fact that both Gabriel and Mariota are outstanding quarterbacks who have led Oregon to historic seasons, they both wear the number eight jersey and are from Oahu, Hawaii. On Thursday, Oregon Football’s award-winning video team released a video highlighting both quarterbacks' journey and how their accomplishments and achievements go beyond football. 

This season, Heisman hopeful quarterback Dillon Gabriel is following in Mariota's footsteps; however, like Mariota's journey, Gabriel's success isn't defined by a trophy or personal accolades. Rather, it is defined by hard work, perseverance, and proving to the next generation of great quarterbacks that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. 

Marcus Mariota waits for a television interview after the Ducks' 44-10 win over the Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on
Marcus Mariota waits for a television interview after the Ducks' 44-10 win over the Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Saturday, November 22, 2014. / Andy Nelson/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

At the University of Oregon’s Hatfield-Dowlin Complex, Oregon’s primary football facility, Mariota’s Heisman trophy is on display. The platform holding the prestigious Heisman trophy, won by Mariota in 2014, is adorned with symbols and words that hold significant meaning to Mariota, such as “Kalani Falcons Pop Warner,” where Mariota got his start, and “Saint Louis School Crusaders, Men of Kalaepohaku,” which represents his high school. Surrounding the platform holding the trophy are eight stones to represent the Kingdom of Hawaii, Mariota’s home. 

“As you come into this space, just realize that it’s an important place not only for myself and my family but for the entire state of Hawaii,” said Mariota at the unveiling ceremony for his Heisman. 

This space was intended by Mariota to inspire, and ten years later, the space and Mariota’s legacy have done just that  

Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota poses with the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marq
Dec 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota poses with the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the Heisman Trophy. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“Growing up, we've always watched Marcus Mariota playing football at the University of Oregon. He was kind of a trailblazer for the Hawaii quarterback and crew and, you know, a guy who did it on a big stage and continued to represent himself in the right way and what a role model to look up to,” Gabriel said. 

Gabriel is not only looking up to Mariota's legacy, but he is living it while simultaneously building a legacy for himself. Although Gabriel has said multiple times throughout the 2024 football season that he is “not a big personal accolades guy,” his achievements are not to be ignored. 

The quarterback who was once given an undrafted free agent NFL draft grade is now the leader of the No. 1 football team in the nation. Gabriel holds the record for NCAA total touchdowns, leads the FBS with a 74 percent completion rate, and tops the Big Ten conference in passing yards (2,848) and touchdowns (22). Gabriel is also a favorite to win a Heisman Trophy of his own. 

“Every time he’s out there leading in these big games, it’s not just Dillon Gabriel winning the game—it’s Hawaii boy, it’s a Mililani boy, it’s an 808 boy, it’s possible, it’s real because he’s done it. That’s why he’s an inspiration,” said Gabriel’s former high school coach Rod York. 

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) receives flowers leis from family before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes
Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) receives flowers leis from family before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Ahead of the season, Gabriel received Marcus Mariota's blessing to represent and wear the number eight on his jersey, a number that holds great significance to the two quarterbacks. 

“He’s representing it well. That number has always been about Hawaii,” said Mariota. “There’s eight Hawaiian islands. For us, that’s always kind of been my mantra. Just whenever I see the eight, that just reminds me of home." 

“I think it’s always tough leaving home, so it’s a reminder of knowing why I’m doing it, of that bigger dream of wanting to accomplish all of the goals that I had when I was eight or nine years old.”  

Gabriel’s journey as an Oregon Duck is far from over. Gabriel intends to lead the 10-0 Ducks to an undefeated regular season before heading to the Big Ten Conference Championship and the College Playoff. However, Gabriel has just one goal in mind: 

“I’m chasing wins,” says Gabriel. 

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Olivia Cleary
OLIVIA CLEARY

Olivia Cleary, commonly known as Liv, is a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. While pursuing a degree in journalism, Olivia has submersed herself in the world of Oregon athletics. Olivia is an intern within the athletic department. This role has provided her with a unique perspective as she has created relationships with staff, administrators, and student-athletes. Olivia is eager to share her insights and analysis on the Ducks and the broader world of college sports.

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