Introduction
Dillon Gabriel has made headlines across the college football world thanks to his remarkable consistency, leadership, and ability to turn games around with clutch performances. Fans often ask “What number does Dillon Gabriel wear?”, “What happened to him?”, and “Is Dillon Gabriel playing right now?” — questions that show his growing influence on the sport.
In this comprehensive article, we will cover Gabriel’s jersey number, recent developments in his career, updates on his playing status, and a full breakdown of his football journey. Whether you’re a dedicated college football follower or a casual sports enthusiast, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
What Number is Dillon Gabriel?
Dillon Gabriel wears jersey number 8 — a number he has embraced throughout his collegiate career. The No. 8 is often associated with precision, resilience, and leadership — traits that perfectly describe Gabriel’s playing style.
He has worn No. 8 both at his former team, the Oklahoma Sooners, and in his new chapter with the Oregon Ducks. For many fans, that number has become synonymous with Gabriel’s poised presence under center.
Why Number 8 is Special
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Symbolic meaning: The number 8 represents infinity when turned sideways, signifying consistency and endless potential.
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Personal choice: While Gabriel hasn’t publicly revealed a deep personal reason for the number, many quarterbacks choose numbers between 1 and 19 for traditional football numbering purposes.
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Fan connection: Merchandise and jerseys bearing the number 8 have become popular among his supporters.
What Happened to Dillon Gabriel?
When fans ask “What happened to Dillon Gabriel?” they may be referring to two main events in his football career:
1. His Transfer from Oklahoma to Oregon
At the end of the 2023 season, Gabriel entered the transfer portal after two strong years with Oklahoma. He later committed to the Oregon Ducks, bringing his veteran leadership to a program that had just seen star QB Bo Nix leave for the NFL.
The move was seen as a strategic step — Gabriel wanted a system that fit his playing style and offered a strong chance at a College Football Playoff appearance.
2. Overcoming Injuries
Earlier in his career at UCF (University of Central Florida), Gabriel suffered a broken clavicle in 2021 during a game against Louisville. The injury cut his season short, but his comeback in 2022 with Oklahoma was a testament to his resilience.
His recovery showcased:
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Determination: Rapid yet safe rehabilitation.
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Skill retention: Despite missing game time, he returned sharper than ever.
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Mental toughness: Maintaining confidence post-injury.
Is Dillon Gabriel Playing?
Yes — Dillon Gabriel is currently active and expected to be the starting quarterback for the Oregon Ducks in the 2024 season.
After officially transferring to Oregon, Gabriel has been participating in team workouts, learning the playbook, and building chemistry with his new receivers. His move was praised by analysts who believe Oregon is a strong playoff contender with him under center.
Expected Role at Oregon
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Starting QB: Gabriel is projected to start from Week 1.
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Leader in offense: He brings high-level decision-making and passing efficiency.
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Mentor: His experience will help younger QBs in Oregon’s depth chart.
Dillon Gabriel’s Career Timeline
High School Career
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School: Mililani High School, Hawaii
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Accolades: Broke multiple Hawaii state passing records.
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Recruitment: Rated as one of the top quarterbacks in his class.
UCF Knights (2019–2021)
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Freshman season (2019): Started 12 games, threw for over 3,600 yards.
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Sophomore season (2020): Led UCF’s high-powered offense.
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2021 injury: Broken clavicle ended his season prematurely.
Oklahoma Sooners (2022–2023)
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Transfer: Joined Oklahoma to reunite with offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby.
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2022 season: Threw for 3,168 yards and 25 touchdowns.
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2023 season: Improved stats and leadership, solidifying NFL interest.
Oregon Ducks (2024–Present)
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Latest chapter: Taking over as starting QB for a team with championship aspirations.
Dillon Gabriel’s Playing Style
Gabriel’s style blends quick decision-making with accurate deep passing. Analysts highlight:
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Strengths:
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Deep ball accuracy
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Pocket awareness
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Quick release
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Composure under pressure
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Areas to Improve:
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Mobility under heavy blitzes
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Consistency on intermediate throws
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Stats Overview
| Season | Team | Games Played | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | UCF | 13 | 3,653 | 29 | 7 | 59.3% |
| 2020 | UCF | 10 | 3,570 | 32 | 4 | 60.0% |
| 2021 | UCF | 3 | 814 | 9 | 3 | 68.6% |
| 2022 | Oklahoma | 12 | 3,168 | 25 | 6 | 62.7% |
| 2023 | Oklahoma | 13 | 3,660 | 30 | 6 | 69.3% |
Impact on Oregon’s 2024 Season
Gabriel’s arrival in Oregon is expected to:
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Elevate the passing game to one of the best in the Pac-12.
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Maintain offensive balance with the running game.
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Provide playoff-level experience in high-pressure matchups.
Off-the-Field Presence
Aside from his athletic skills, Gabriel is known for:
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Community involvement: Participating in youth football camps.
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Leadership: Praised by coaches for his locker room influence.
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Social media connection: Actively engaging with fans.
Conclusion
Dillon Gabriel’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and consistent performance. From Hawaii high school standout to UCF star, Oklahoma leader, and now Oregon’s starting quarterback, Gabriel has proven he can handle any challenge thrown his way.
For those wondering what number Dillon Gabriel wears — it’s No. 8, a symbol of his steady excellence. If you’ve been asking what happened to him, the answer is that he’s thriving after overcoming injuries and making a high-profile transfer. And if you’re wondering is Dillon Gabriel playing, the answer is a confident yes — and he’s aiming for big things in the upcoming season.
