The Oklahoma Sooners are a program with a rich football tradition and a history of success. After a disappointing season in 2022, Oklahoma’s 2023 campaign marked a new beginning under head coach Brent Venables, and now, as the program looks ahead, there’s renewed optimism in Norman. One of the biggest reasons for this excitement? The Sooners’ moves in the transfer portal, which have injected an already-talented roster with a new sense of energy and potential.
Oklahoma has pulled off a major coup, adding the top player in the 2023 transfer portal, quarterback **Dillon Gabriel**, from UCF, alongside his offensive coordinator **Jeff Lebby**, who also made the move to Norman. This dynamic duo brings an intriguing blend of talent, leadership, and experience, and together, they could take Oklahoma back to the national championship conversation in the near future.
This blog post will take a closer look at how these moves represent a “recipe for serious contention” for the Oklahoma Sooners, assessing the impact of Gabriel and Lebby on both sides of the ball, how they complement the existing roster, and what their arrival means for the future of Oklahoma football.
### Dillon Gabriel: The Transfer Portal’s Best Player
The transfer portal has become an essential tool for college football programs to fill key gaps in their rosters, and Dillon Gabriel was one of the most coveted players to enter it in 2023. Gabriel, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, made his mark at UCF, where he passed for over 8,000 yards and 70 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Knights. His ability to throw deep, run the ball, and lead his team made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. As a leader, Gabriel is known for his poise, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure.
When it was announced that Gabriel was transferring to Oklahoma, it sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. Oklahoma had been searching for stability at the quarterback position after the departure of Caleb Williams, who transferred to USC following the 2021 season. Gabriel’s arrival immediately filled that gap. With the Sooners struggling to find consistency at quarterback, Gabriel offers both immediate and long-term stability for the offense.
His ability to execute the offense at a high level, especially in the passing game, is a major upgrade for Oklahoma. His throwing mechanics are refined, and his arm strength allows him to make all the necessary throws down the field. He’s also capable of extending plays with his legs, making him a true dual-threat quarterback who can keep opposing defenses off balance.
In short, Gabriel is the type of quarterback that can elevate a team to the next level. His leadership on and off the field, paired with his ability to execute a fast-paced, explosive offense, makes him a perfect fit for Oklahoma’s program. With Gabriel at the helm, the Sooners now have a signal-caller capable of taking them to the next tier of college football contenders.
### Jeff Lebby: A Perfect Offensive Fit
While Dillon Gabriel was the big splash from the transfer portal, the addition of offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby from Ole Miss was just as crucial for Oklahoma’s future. Lebby, who was the offensive coordinator at Ole Miss from 2020 to 2022, brings an up-tempo, pass-first system that has been proven to work at the highest levels. His offensive schemes, which rely heavily on a fast pace and a balanced attack that utilizes both the run and the pass, have been incredibly successful at Ole Miss, where he helped develop star quarterbacks like Matt Corral and Jackson Dart.
Lebby’s system is predicated on tempo, explosiveness, and versatility, and it fits perfectly with Oklahoma’s existing talent, including Gabriel. His ability to design offenses that get the ball out quickly, take advantage of mismatches, and keep defenses on their heels will be crucial in maximizing Gabriel’s skill set. At Ole Miss, Lebby was known for utilizing the full range of his quarterbacks’ abilities, often leaning into a wide-open, high-scoring attack that puts a premium on vertical passing and quick decision-making.
Additionally, Lebby has been praised for his ability to work with quarterbacks who have dual-threat capabilities. His offense isn’t just about the passing game—he incorporates the run in creative ways to keep defenses honest. This is particularly beneficial for Gabriel, who is just as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. The pairing of Gabriel’s playmaking ability and Lebby’s offensive genius could be a perfect marriage for Oklahoma, making the Sooners one of the most potent offenses in the Big 12.
### How Gabriel and Lebby Complement Oklahoma’s Roster
Oklahoma’s offense is stacked with talent, and the arrival of Gabriel and Lebby could help the Sooners realize their full potential. The team boasts several skilled playmakers, including wide receivers like Marvin Mims and Jalil Farooq, both of whom are poised for breakout seasons in 2023. The Sooners’ offensive line is solid, led by experienced players who will be tasked with keeping Gabriel upright and providing running lanes for the ground game.
Additionally, Oklahoma’s running backs, like Eric Gray and Jovantae Barnes, provide an excellent balance to the passing game. While Gabriel is a potent passer, he’ll be able to lean on the run game to open up play-action opportunities and keep defenses from focusing too heavily on the passing attack. Lebby’s offense is particularly effective when a balanced ground game is present, and Oklahoma’s backfield is more than capable of providing that balance.
Moreover, Oklahoma’s defensive unit, while not as celebrated as the offense, is improving under head coach Brent Venables. Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, has a reputation for building strong, aggressive defenses that complement high-powered offenses. With a more complete team on both sides of the ball, the Sooners will be poised to contend for Big 12 titles and make a push for a College Football Playoff spot.
### The ‘Recipe for Serious Contention’
When you look at the current landscape of college football, there are a handful of programs that appear to be in contention for national titles every season. Oklahoma has long been a program in that conversation, but after recent down years, it was unclear whether the Sooners could return to their former glory under the leadership of Brent Venables. The additions of Dillon Gabriel and Jeff Lebby change that equation.
With Gabriel under center and Lebby coordinating the offense, Oklahoma has the tools to not only be competitive in the Big 12 but to be a serious contender on the national stage. The Sooners’ offense will be high-flying, fast-paced, and unpredictable, with a quarterback capable of making all the throws and a coaching staff that knows how to maximize talent. The defense, under Venables, will continue to improve, potentially making the Sooners one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
Oklahoma’s recipe for serious contention isn’t just about their explosive offense—it’s about balance. Gabriel and Lebby give the Sooners the offensive firepower they need to keep up with the best teams in the country, while Venables’ defense will ensure that Oklahoma can compete with top-tier teams in all phases of the game. In the modern college football landscape, where offensive explosiveness is paramount, having a quarterback and offensive coordinator who can execute at the highest level is essential.
### The Road Ahead
As Oklahoma looks toward the 2023 season, the excitement surrounding Gabriel and Lebby’s arrival is palpable. The Sooners have been given a shot in the arm that could make them a legitimate threat for a College Football Playoff berth and possibly a national championship. However, as with all moves in the transfer portal, there’s still work to be done. Oklahoma will need to stay healthy, develop chemistry between Gabriel and his new offensive weapons, and avoid any of the pitfalls that come with transitioning to a new coaching staff.
That said, if things fall into place, Oklahoma football could find itself in the thick of the College Football Playoff conversation, with a program that has all the ingredients for sustained success. With Gabriel’s arm, Lebby’s offense, and Venables’ defensive prowess, the Sooners are set to be a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 and beyond. The 2023 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year in the program’s resurgence—and with the right pieces in place, Oklahoma has the “recipe for serious contention” to return to the top of college football.