Dillon Gabriel Visiting Oregon This Week, Ducks Emerge as 'The Favorite'
The Oregon Ducks will host Oklahoma Sooners transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel in Eugene for a visit this week, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
"Sources just told me in the last hour that he's expected to take a visit to Oregon this week. Oregon has jumped out ahead as the favorite for Gabriel's services."
With starting quarterback Bo Nix set to play his final college game on January 1 in the Fiesta Bowl, the Ducks have wasted no time in their pursuit of his replacement.
After initially being linked to Washington State transfer quarterback Cameron Ward, it appears the Ducks are making the former Sooners Standout their top priority early on in the transfer portal cycle.
Gabriel is one of the most experienced signal callers available, along with the likes of Ward, Duke's Riley Leonard and Mississippi State's Will Rogers. He's got a strong arm and his ability to move the ball with his feet only adds to his appeal as a top quarterback option for offensive coordinator Will Stein.
The Mililani, Hawaii native originally signed with UCF coming out of High School in the class of 2019, and spent three seasons with the Knights before transferring to Oklahoma to play for Brent Venables.
Gabriel's upcoming trip to Eugene comes at a crucial point in the recruiting calendar, as Oregon is preparing for the early signing period later this month and looking to solidify more of their roster for the 2024 season. The Ducks have two quarterbacks on their roster that could compete for the starting job after Nix's departure next month in sophomore Ty Thompson and true freshman Austin Novosad.