Introduction
Dillon Gabriel is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects entering the NFL in 2025. With a record-setting college career, a unique background, and a respectable showing in pre-draft testing, he has drawn attention from analysts and fans alike. In this article, we explore Gabriel’s ethnicity, draft pick, contract, 40-yard dash time, and career highlights to date, providing a comprehensive look at who he is and what his future might hold.
Ethnicity & Early Life
Hawaiian Roots and Family Background
Dillon Gabriel was born on December 28, 2000, in Mililani, Hawaii, a suburb of Honolulu. Both of his parents are of Native Hawaiian descent, making him one of the relatively few NFL prospects with indigenous Pacific Island heritage. His father, Garrett Gabriel, played quarterback at the University of Hawaii, and his mother played college softball, giving him strong athletic genes and a direct connection to Hawai‘i’s sports legacy.
Growing up in Mililani, Gabriel attended Mililani High School, where he distinguished himself early as a standout passer. As a senior in 2018, he won the Gatorade Hawai‘i High School Football Player of the Year award after throwing for 3,754 yards and 38 touchdowns. By the time he graduated, Gabriel had accumulated 9,948 passing yards and 105 career touchdowns in high school.
Gabriel’s upbringing in Hawai‘i and his Polynesian heritage contribute not just to his identity but also to his perspective as a football player, blending island toughness and resilience with an underdog’s mentality. His background also connected him with fellow Hawaiian NFL stars, including Marcus Mariota, who hails from the same region and has reportedly been a mentor of sorts to Gabriel.
Collegiate Journey & Achievements
Before diving into draft details, it’s essential to understand Gabriel’s path through college football, which shaped his résumé and draft stock.
UCF (2019–2021)
Gabriel’s collegiate career began at University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2019. There, he quickly earned starting roles and showed promise annually. Over three seasons, he displayed consistency, leadership, and production, though he also faced challenges including injuries.
Oklahoma (2022–2023)
After his time at UCF, Gabriel transferred to Oklahoma to take on a new challenge in a Power 5 conference. He continued his high level of play and adapted to Oklahoma’s offensive system, earning accolades in the Big 12 and improving his reputation among scouts.
Oregon (2024)
In December 2023, Gabriel transferred again — this time to Oregon for his final season. In Oregon, he had a breakout year: he completed 72.9% of his passes for 3,857 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. His performance earned him first-team All-American honors, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and other top recognitions.
One notable record: Gabriel played in 64 total college games (starting 63), which set a FBS record for most games played by a quarterback. Additionally, by the end of his collegiate career, he had thrown 155 career touchdown passes (tied for the FBS record) and was responsible for 190 total touchdowns, placing him among the all-time leaders in scoring responsibility.
His journey through three different programs demonstrated adaptability, resilience, and growth — traits that NFL teams value highly, especially in quarterbacks who must adjust to different systems, coaching styles, and environments.
Draft Pick
2025 NFL Draft
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Dillon Gabriel was selected in the third round, 94th overall, by the Cleveland Browns. That 94th pick was acquired by Cleveland in a previous trade involving Amari Cooper.
After being drafted, the Browns released a “5 things to know” feature highlighting some key background notes on Gabriel, including his record-setting college experience and his 2024 performance at Oregon.
In the draft’s QB class, Gabriel stood out for his production and experience more than his testing metrics. Many draft analysts saw him as a value pick — a high-upside quarterback with tape and mental processing skills to make him a developmental project at the next level.
Context of the Browns QB Room
Cleveland’s decision to take Gabriel in the third round was somewhat surprising to some pundits, especially given the presence of multiple quarterbacks on their roster, including veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and later fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. The Browns saw Gabriel as a potential long-term contributor and insurance option, especially in a volatile NFL quarterback market.
Contract
Rookie Deal Structure
Following the draft, Gabriel signed a four-year rookie contract with the Browns. The contract is reported to be worth approximately $6.22 million (or $6,223,338 in some sources) over four years.
His signing bonus is around $1.16 million (approx. $1,166,063), which is his primary guaranteed money. In fact, the signing bonus is the only fully guaranteed portion of the deal.
For the 2025 season, Gabriel’s base salary is about $840,000, with a cap hit of $1,132,058 for that year. The contract also includes training camp roster bonuses in future years (2026–2028) to front-load compensation.
According to OverTheCap, the contract’s fully guaranteed money is $1,168,232.
Comparisons & Significance
Because Gabriel was not a first-round pick, he does not qualify for a fifth-year option, a benefit reserved for first-round selections.
In terms of contract value, Gabriel’s deal ranks around #59 or #60 among quarterbacks in 2025, per OverTheCap’s rankings.
While the structure may not guarantee huge security, it does reflect that the Browns viewed Gabriel as a player with real opportunity, especially given the relatively significant signing bonus and the inclusion of front-loaded bonuses.
Overall, the contract gives Gabriel the chance to compete and earn playing time, but with limited downside risk for the team.
40-Yard Dash Time & Combine Performance
The 40-yard dash is one of the most anticipated drills for quarterbacks entering the NFL, though it holds less weight for signal-callers than it does for skill position players. Nevertheless, Gabriel’s 40 time provides insight into his athletic traits.
Official 40 Time & Measurables
Dillon Gabriel posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.83 seconds (at his pro day / combine equivalent context) in scouting reports. In NFLDraftBuzz’s profile, the 4.83 time is listed and compared to historical quarterbacks, placing him roughly at the 49th percentile among QBs in the combine universe.
Beyond the 40 time, his measurables include:
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Height: ~ 5’11” (or 6’0″ depending on source)
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Weight: ~205 lbs
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Hand size: 9 ¼ inches
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Arm length / wingspan: 29 5/8 inches, span: 71 6/8 in some reports
Despite not being elite in speed or size metrics, Gabriel’s testing numbers are serviceable and not disqualifying — especially given his strengths in processing, decision-making, and accuracy.
Combine & On-Field Drills
Gabriel participated in on-field workouts during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine / pro day process. Video from the combine shows him completing various drills, showcasing his footwork, accuracy, and adaptability under pressure. Analysts noted that his mechanics were clean, and he handled timing routes and pocket movement drills fairly well.
One limitation often cited is that Gabriel is not an explosive athlete — his 40 time, agility drills, and burst metrics are modest, which may limit outside-the-pocket creation. However, many scouts believe his processing, anticipation, and release speed can compensate in a more structured offense.
Career Highlights & Football Accomplishments
Dillon Gabriel’s college career was loaded with statistical milestones, awards, and films that impressed scouts. Below is a rundown of his most notable highlights.
Statistical Records & Milestones
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FBS Career Touchdown Passes (155): Gabriel tied the all-time FBS record for career passing TDs, matching Case Keenum.
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Career Touchdowns Responsible (190): He holds the FBS record for most total touchdowns (passing + rushing) a quarterback has accounted for.
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Games Played (64): He holds the FBS record for career games played by a quarterback, starting 63 of them.
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Passing Yardage: By the end of his college career, he amassed 18,722 passing yards, second in FBS history behind Case Keenum.
Awards & Honors
Gabriel’s 2024 season at Oregon was his most decorated. Some of his honors include:
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First-team All-American (2024)
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Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2024)
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Big Ten Quarterback of the Year & First-team All-Big Ten (2024)
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Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of Year (2022, at Oklahoma)
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All-Big 12 (2023), Second-team All-Big 12 (2022)
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Second-team All-AAC (2020) from his UCF tenure
Memorable Games & Film Moments
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2024 Season at Oregon: His consistency and efficiency — 72.9% completion rate, 3,857 yards, 30 TDs, 6 INTs — helped Oregon post an undefeated regular season and advance deep into postseason play.
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Clutch Performances: In high-stakes matchups (e.g. games versus Michigan, Ohio State), Gabriel displayed poise under pressure, reading coverages, and delivering accurate throws in tight windows.
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Senior Bowl & Pre-Draft Showings: In pre-draft all-star games and workouts, scouts noted his football IQ, film awareness, and ability to adjust to NFL-style route combinations.
Several highlight reels of his college play are publicly available, showing various deep passes, timing throws, and athletic scramble plays.
Outlook & Challenges
Strengths & Upside
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Depth of Experience: Gabriel’s extensive college experience (64 games) is among the best in recent memory, giving him a maturity many rookie QBs lack.
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Processing & Decision-Making: Analysts often highlight his ability to read defenses, anticipate safety rotations, and adjust at the line.
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Accuracy & Release Mechanics: His clean mechanics and ball placement, especially on intermediate throws, are seen as strengths.
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Leadership & Adaptability: Having succeeded in three different offensive systems shows flexibility and mental toughness.
Risks & Limitations
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Physical Traits: Gabriel’s height, arm length, and hand size are seen as modest by NFL standards, which could limit deep field throws or ball security in adverse weather.
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Athletic Testing: His 40 time and burst metrics are average and do not stand out. Some scouts question his ability to create off-script.
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Limited Guarantees: His contract structure offers limited guaranteed money, which means he must perform to secure his spot long-term.
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Crowded QB Room: The Browns already had veteran depth and drafted another quarterback (Shedeur Sanders), which creates competition for playing time.
Early Professional Status
As of October 1, 2025, Dillon Gabriel has been named the starting quarterback for the Browns, replacing veteran Joe Flacco. This is a significant vote of confidence for a rookie quarterback and gives him the opportunity to begin proving his worth on the NFL stage.
Conclusion
Dillon Gabriel is a fascinating case in the 2025 NFL quarterback class. With Indigenous Hawaiian ethnicity, a storied multi-school college career, a third-round draft slot, a modest but promising rookie contract, and a 4.83-second 40-yard dash, he exemplifies a quarterback whose strengths lie in brain and experience more than sheer physical traits.
While Gabriel faces challenges — in athleticism, physical measurements, and internal competition — his track record suggests he has tools to surprise skeptics. As he steps into the starting role in Cleveland, the football world will be watching closely to see if his savvy, precision, and resilience can translate into NFL success.
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