Tony Rizzo of ESPN Cleveland and other outlets are reporting that Oregon Duck Heisman finalist and Browns third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel will start Sunday in London against Minnesota.
The beleaguered franchise, 3-14 a year ago, is benching 40-year-old starter Joe Flacco after a 1-3 start.
Gabriel set an NCAA record with 63 career starts over six seasons, a college career extended by Covid and an injury redshirt. In 2024 he led the Ducks to a 13-1 record and a Big Ten Championship.
His promotion could give the Ducks three NFL starters on Sunday as Jayden Daniels is expected to return for the Washington Commanders, sending Marcus Mariota back to his backup role.
A transfer from UCF and Oklahoma, at UO the 5-11, 205-pound QB from Mililani, Hawaii completed 73 percent of his passes for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns, quickly becoming a fan favorite for resourcefulness in the pocket and positive demeanor.
New Oregon quarterback Dante Moore credited Gabriel for his role in helping him develop. During fall camp Moore told reporters, "The biggest thing he taught me was preparation. The way he just prepped Monday through Friday and on Saturday. How he just went out there and got the job done,"
"Another thing I learned from him is you have to enjoy this process."
It's officially time to pass the torch.
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) September 29, 2025
It's officially time to give Dillon Gabriel his chance.
You believed in him enough to use a 3rd round pick.
You should believe in him enough to ignite a sputtering pass attack. pic.twitter.com/m3Wx5RmMG1
Gabriel faces some immediate challenges in his first pro start. He's left-handed, among the shortest of pro quarterbacks and the team around him isn't very good. Ironically, Cleveland is a 3.5-point underdog in the game against the 2-2 Vikings, one of the preseason playoff favorites in the NFC, the exact spread the Ducks faced at Penn State last Saturday.
Minnesota ranks seventh in the league in total defense, allowing just under 282 yards per game. They've sacked opposing quarterbacks 11 times, tied for fourth in the NFL after four games.
Gabriel's made two brief appearances over the team's first four games. He came in during the fourth quarter of a 41-17 loss to Baltimore and led a scoring drive, 3-3 passing with an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Dylan Sampson.
He's getting the call ahead of fifth-round draft pick Shedeur Sanders. The Browns seemed destined for another unsuccessful season, and if franchise history is any guide, they will feel pressure to choose another quarterback in the first-round next spring, perhaps even Dante Moore should he chose to enter the draft.