As the 2024 college football season approaches, every fan base across the country is keeping a close eye on the future of their team, especially when it comes to the most important position on the field: quarterback. For the Oklahoma Sooners, a program with a rich history of standout quarterbacks, the future at the position looks bright. Recently, **Dillon Gabriel**, the Sooners’ starting quarterback, made headlines by earning a spot on **On3 Sports’ analyst list of the best returning quarterbacks** in college football. This recognition is a testament to his growth, talent, and potential to lead Oklahoma back to national prominence.
But what does this mean for Gabriel, the Sooners, and their chances in the highly competitive Big 12 and beyond? Let’s break down why Gabriel’s inclusion on the list is significant, how he’s developed, and what it says about the state of the Oklahoma football program.
### Dillon Gabriel: A Look at His Journey
Dillon Gabriel’s college football journey has been one of both promise and perseverance. After starting his career at **UCF (University of Central Florida)**, Gabriel quickly made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country. In his two full seasons as the Knights’ starting quarterback, Gabriel amassed over 8,000 passing yards and 70 touchdowns, while earning numerous accolades. His combination of accuracy, mobility, and football IQ made him a highly regarded prospect before transferring to Oklahoma ahead of the 2022 season.
When Gabriel decided to transfer to Oklahoma, there were immediate questions about how well he would fit into head coach **Brent Venables’** system. Venables, who took over as head coach in 2022, was looking to rebuild the Sooners after a few years of defensive struggles and inconsistency. While Gabriel had been a proven leader at UCF, the jump to a program with a bigger stage, like Oklahoma, would provide him with a much higher level of competition—and expectations.
In 2022, Gabriel faced an up-and-down season, with the Sooners finishing with a 6-7 record, their worst season in over two decades. However, Gabriel showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for over 3,100 yards and 25 touchdowns in a year that was marred by injuries and inconsistency across the team. Despite the disappointing overall season, Gabriel was often the bright spot for Oklahoma, displaying leadership and skill in tough situations.
As Oklahoma enters the 2024 season, Gabriel is expected to be more comfortable in Venables’ system, now having had a full season under his belt and an offseason to further hone his skills. With the 2024 season shaping up to be one of potential redemption and resurgence, Gabriel’s role as the starter is crucial to Oklahoma’s hopes of returning to the College Football Playoff conversation. His inclusion on On3 Sports’ list of the best returning quarterbacks highlights the confidence the analysts have in his growth and potential moving forward.
### Why Gabriel Is on On3 Sports’ List of Best Returning QBs
On3 Sports’ list of the best returning quarterbacks is not just about raw talent—it’s about the combination of past performance, future potential, and the impact a player can have on their team. Gabriel’s inclusion is well-deserved for several reasons:
1. **Proven Talent and Leadership**: Gabriel has proven himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. With over 8,000 career passing yards, 70 touchdowns, and 20 career starts, Gabriel has displayed the ability to perform under pressure. He is a quarterback who can manage the game and take charge in high-stakes moments, whether in the pocket or scrambling outside it. His poise and leadership on the field make him a cornerstone for any offense.
2. **Consistency and Accuracy**: One of Gabriel’s biggest strengths is his accuracy as a passer. Over the course of his college career, Gabriel has posted a completion percentage consistently above 60%. In 2022, he threw for 3,168 yards and 25 touchdowns, showing an ability to efficiently run an offense. His accuracy is especially noticeable on intermediate and deep throws, which are crucial in today’s pass-heavy college football landscape.
3. **Dual-Threat Ability**: While Gabriel is primarily known for his passing ability, he has the ability to make plays with his legs when needed. This dual-threat capability adds another layer to Oklahoma’s offense, allowing them to stretch defenses and keep opposing pass rushers on their toes. Gabriel rushed for 300 yards and scored 4 touchdowns in 2022, and he has the agility and quickness to pick up critical yards with his legs when necessary. His mobility makes him more dangerous and gives opposing defenses one more thing to account for when facing the Sooners.
4. **Improvement and Potential**: What makes Gabriel such an exciting player for the 2024 season is his potential to continue improving. His first year with Oklahoma was a transition year, and while there were highlights, there were also growing pains. Now that he is more familiar with Venables’ system and has a better supporting cast around him, Gabriel has the chance to take his game to the next level. With more consistency from the offensive line and a deeper pool of weapons at receiver and running back, Gabriel could see his numbers—and impact—skyrocket.
5. **Oklahoma’s Offensive System**: Under head coach Brent Venables, Oklahoma has been working to evolve its offensive attack, blending fast-paced tempo with more balance. The offensive system is designed to put Gabriel in the best position to succeed, incorporating elements of RPO (run-pass option), play-action, and vertical passing. This scheme plays to Gabriel’s strengths and allows him to make quick decisions while taking advantage of mismatches in the defense. With a year of experience in this system and another offseason to refine his game, Gabriel could thrive in 2024.
### What This Means for Oklahoma
Gabriel’s recognition as one of the best returning quarterbacks is more than just a personal accolade—it speaks to the broader future of the Oklahoma football program. Heading into their first season in the **SEC**, the Sooners face a new level of competition in one of the toughest conferences in college football. Having a veteran quarterback like Gabriel who is capable of leading the team is crucial for Oklahoma’s success in the SEC.
Moreover, Gabriel’s presence at quarterback will play a significant role in recruiting for the program. High school quarterbacks and skilled position players will take notice of Oklahoma’s ability to develop a talent like Gabriel, which can serve as a beacon for future recruits. Having a quarterback who is regarded as one of the best returning players in the nation can help establish Oklahoma as an even more attractive destination for elite talent.
While the Sooners will need more than just great quarterback play to thrive in the SEC, having Gabriel under center gives them a fighting chance. If he can continue to develop and stay healthy, he has the ability to lead Oklahoma back into the College Football Playoff conversation and reassert the program’s place among the nation’s elite teams.
### What’s Next for Dillon Gabriel?
With a full season ahead in the Big 12 before making the transition to the SEC, Gabriel has a golden opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the program and solidify his legacy. His performance in 2024 will not only determine Oklahoma’s immediate success but could also influence his future at the next level.
As the Sooners’ leader on offense, Gabriel will need to take on a bigger role as the face of the program, helping Oklahoma stay competitive in both conference play and non-conference matchups. A strong season could elevate Gabriel’s draft stock and push Oklahoma to new heights. On the other hand, a breakout season could signal a bright future for the program as they prepare for their next chapter in the SEC.
### Conclusion
Dillon Gabriel’s inclusion on On3 Sports’ list of the best returning quarterbacks is a well-earned recognition of his talent, leadership, and potential. As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for the 2024 season, Gabriel will be a key player in their quest for a return to national relevance. With his experience, skill set, and the offensive pieces around him, Gabriel has the ability to lead Oklahoma back to the College Football Playoff and beyond, making him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks to watch in the 2024 college football season.
For the Sooners, having a quarterback of Gabriel’s caliber is a significant advantage as they navigate their final season in the Big 12 and look ahead to the challenges that await in the SEC. All eyes will be on Dillon Gabriel as he looks to take his game—and the Sooners—to new heights.