In the world of college football, few players have had a journey as unique as **Dillon Gabriel**. A quarterback who began his career at **UCF (University of Central Florida)**, transferred to **Oklahoma**, and now finds himself poised to participate in the prestigious **Senior Bowl**, Gabriel has become a symbol of resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of college football. His decision to wear a helmet featuring a combination of his former schools—UCF, Oklahoma, and even a nod to his time spent at **Oregon**—has stirred excitement and intrigue, marking a fitting tribute to the different chapters of his college career.
For Dillon Gabriel, the 2025 Senior Bowl is a crucial moment to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. But for Gabriel, the game represents more than just an opportunity to prove himself; it’s also a celebration of his journey—a journey that spans multiple iconic football programs and embodies the essence of perseverance, growth, and transition.
### The Quarterback Who Took the Long Road
Dillon Gabriel’s college career began with great promise at **UCF**, where he earned a starting role as a freshman in 2019. During his time with the Knights, Gabriel showcased his remarkable arm strength, mobility, and leadership on the field. He was often the face of UCF’s high-octane offense, setting records and leading the team to significant victories. His 2019 season, in particular, was outstanding as he threw for over 3,600 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
Gabriel’s success at UCF, however, was interrupted in 2021 when he suffered an injury that kept him out for a significant part of the season. But despite the setback, his time at UCF remained a defining chapter in his development as a quarterback.
In 2022, Gabriel made the decision to transfer to **Oklahoma** to play under head coach **Brent Venables**. While many thought he could be a program-changer in Norman, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Oklahoma had been through a rough patch, with the departure of legendary coach **Lincoln Riley** and the introduction of a new system. Gabriel’s first year with the Sooners saw highs and lows, but his resilience and ability to perform under pressure were evident. He threw for over 3,100 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2023, showing that, despite the team’s overall struggles, he was a consistent performer.
While Gabriel’s time at Oklahoma did not culminate in a playoff appearance or conference championship, it allowed him to grow as a leader, refine his skills, and experience the pressures of a major college football program. But Gabriel wasn’t finished with his journey.
For 2024, Gabriel briefly trained with **Oregon**’s football program as part of a development program aimed at boosting his stock heading into the NFL Draft. Though he didn’t play a regular-season game for the Ducks, his brief time spent with the program left an impact, as he absorbed a different offensive scheme and worked with some of the best coaches and talent in the nation.
Now, as Gabriel heads to Mobile, Alabama, to participate in the **2025 Senior Bowl**, he’s chosen to represent all three of his collegiate homes: UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, on his helmet. His decision to honor each school serves as a nod to his football journey and the experiences that have shaped him into the player he is today.
### The Senior Bowl: A Career-Defining Moment
The **Senior Bowl** is the premier postseason college football all-star game, bringing together the nation’s top senior prospects for one last chance to prove their worth in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and front-office personnel. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, and for Gabriel, it marks an important milestone on his path to the NFL.
The Senior Bowl serves as a springboard for many players who go on to enjoy successful careers at the professional level. For Gabriel, the game offers a platform to demonstrate his unique talents. Though he’s had a successful career with multiple programs, the NFL will want to see how he can perform under the spotlight of a full week of practice and a live game against some of the best senior players in the country.
Gabriel has the opportunity to showcase his athleticism, decision-making, and leadership skills—qualities that have defined his time at UCF, Oklahoma, and even during his short stint with Oregon. This game will allow scouts to assess his development and ability to execute at the highest level. With teams looking for dynamic quarterbacks, Gabriel’s experience in different systems could serve as an advantage, giving him a versatile edge over some of his competition.
### Why the Helmet Represents More Than Just a Uniform
Gabriel’s choice to wear a helmet featuring UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon is symbolic on many levels. Each school represents a distinct chapter in his football journey, and the helmet serves as a reminder of how far he’s come and the challenges he’s faced along the way.
#### 1. **UCF: The Beginning of a Star’s Rise**
For many, **UCF** was where Dillon Gabriel’s journey began. As the starting quarterback for the Knights, Gabriel helped elevate the program into national prominence. UCF’s high-powered offense during his tenure was one of the most exciting units in college football, and Gabriel was its leader. His success at UCF gave him the foundation to become a top quarterback prospect, and it was here that he set the stage for his eventual NFL aspirations.
Representing UCF on his helmet honors the program that gave him his first opportunity to shine and solidified his reputation as a talented and fearless quarterback.
#### 2. **Oklahoma: Growth and Resilience in the Big 12**
At **Oklahoma**, Gabriel experienced new challenges. Transitioning to a power program with high expectations was not easy, but Gabriel thrived in the face of adversity. While Oklahoma struggled as a team, Gabriel consistently showed he could perform at a high level, throwing for over 3,000 yards in each of his two seasons with the Sooners.
By wearing Oklahoma’s logo on his helmet, Gabriel honors the growth he experienced during his time in Norman. The change in scenery, a new coaching staff, and the pressures of playing for a storied program all contributed to his development as a leader and player.
#### 3. **Oregon: A Brief but Impactful Stop**
Though Gabriel’s time at **Oregon** was brief, it represents a final step in his development as a quarterback. Training with one of the top programs in the nation allowed him to refine his skills and learn from a new coaching staff and offensive scheme. His time with the Ducks added another layer of experience and demonstrated his adaptability, which is key for any quarterback transitioning to the NFL.
By donning the Oregon logo, Gabriel acknowledges how the experience helped round out his game and prepared him for the next level.
### The Senior Bowl: A Chance to Prove Himself
Dillon Gabriel’s performance at the **Senior Bowl** will be his opportunity to showcase his talents and solidify his place in the NFL Draft. Wearing a helmet that represents the different chapters of his career will undoubtedly inspire a sense of pride and purpose as he steps onto the field. It’s a reminder that, no matter the obstacles or the different paths he’s taken, Gabriel has always been driven to succeed.
For NFL teams, Gabriel’s journey is a testament to his work ethic, resilience, and ability to adapt. His diverse experience—spanning multiple programs with different schemes and philosophies—makes him a versatile quarterback who is prepared for whatever the next level throws his way.
As Dillon Gabriel takes the field at the Senior Bowl, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely, eager to see what the quarterback from UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon can do. His helmet, adorned with the logos of the schools that helped shape him, is a fitting tribute to his past—and a bold statement about his future.