Things in Norman aren't looking pretty these days. Oklahoma is fresh off a dismantling at home at the hands of Tennessee and first-year starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. But one Oregon football player was probably a little more emotionally invested in the Sooners' turbulent start than anyone else.
Dillon Gabriel transferred from Oklahoma to Oregon following the 2023 season and it was a bit of a surprise considering he had a ton of personal success in Norman.
In fact, Gabriel transferred there from UCF and had over 6,800 yards and 55 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions in two years with the Sooners. He was helping Brent Venables lead Oklahoma back to the top of the Big 12 before departing for the SEC in 2024.
But following his 2023 season, he had one final year of eligibility left and decided to spend it on a national title contender. He set his sights on Oregon.
Now, four weeks into the 2024 season, Oklahoma is trending down and Oregon is trending up. Gabriel was asked about his decision to leave the Sooners and basically if he had any regrets.
His response was perfect.
Amid 4 days of conjecture out of Norman, Dillon Gabriel had this to say as to whether he could have returned to Oklahoma even with Jeff Lebby leaving pic.twitter.com/u4sZtmrUQp
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) September 24, 2024
Gabriel says "I'm right where I need to be" twice and pretty much says that Oregon is the best fit for him so there's no use in looking back and wondering what could've been different maybe if Jeff Lebby didn't leave for the head coaching job at Mississippi State.
Would Gabriel still be in Norman if Lebby never left? Possibly, but everything seems to happen for a reason, according to him, and he's right where he feels happiest.
Oregon and Gabriel have been a match made in heaven so far.