The road to a Natty is never smooth, but for the undisputed No. 1 Oregon Ducks, it feels like someone threw a few extra speed bumps—and maybe a mountain or two—in the way. Yet, for Dillon Gabriel, the 2024 Heisman finalist quarterback who also made headlines before the ceremony took place, has seen it all, this season has been less about the obstacles and more about the opportunities, sitting the prettiest with the first-round bye in the playoffs. From his New York hotel room, awaiting the ceremony, he had a quick chat on the Dan Patrick Show, the redshirt senior shed light on what it means to lead the nation’s top-ranked team through a gauntlet of challenges, sprinkling in both wisdom and humor along the way.

The ex-ESPN legend, now an NBC sportscaster, Dan Patrick felt a tad pity, asking Dillion Gabriel point-blank about the tough schedule the Ducks are about to face in the next year’s schedule and whether it felt “a little unfair” to have such a brutal path ahead. Showing his vast media experience, as polished as a veteran quarterback could be, sidestepped any hint of complaint. “Totally out of our control,” he said with a calm that comes from years of leadership. “It being the first year [of the expanded playoff], there’s definitely going to be some things they’ll have to work on… But like I said, we’re in the playoffs. So, you look forward to whatever matchup comes your way.” The #8’s ability to focus on the opportunity rather than complaining has been a cornerstone of Oregon’s success this year.

As for the Ducks’ playoff hopes, Dillion Gabriel knows the stakes. Oregon’s 12-team playoff berth marks a new chapter creating their own dynasty, one with its own growing pains. “I think there will be some conversations down the road and some cleaning up in that sense,” Gabriel admitted. But his focus remains unwavering. “We’re excited, you know, our team and what we got ahead of us, I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said simply, summing up the mindset that has carried another famous “Dan ” here, his coach Dan Lanning and Oregon to the top. When you are BIG Ten’s MVP, you don’t dwell on what could be better, you just, “look forward to whatever matchup comes your way”.

One of those matchups is the Rose Bowl. Yet, the Ducks didn’t just stroll into Pasadena. Their path included taking on juggernauts in the B1G, and next year’s schedule isn’t going to let up. The Ducks dodge Ohio State and Michigan in the regular season, but the first fiery Week 5’s showdown against Penn State at Happy Valley looms large. A rematch of this year’s Big Ten Championship Game, who doesn’t want that, an absolute white-out spectacle. As the senior writer for Sports Illustrated pointed out. The Ducks may have “a very manageable schedule” overall, but there’s no such thing as an easy ride when you’re playing for national titles. Enjoying the perks of their undefeated season and No. 1 seed, they are waiting in the Quarters for the winner of the No. 6 Bucks and No. 7 Vols.

Enough with the serious stuff already, thanks to the 67-year-old host’s and his 23-year-old invitee’s humor, which shone through when Patrick jokingly reminded him how long he’s been in college. “You predate COVID and NIL,” he quipped, asking him to reflect on his growth since his freshman year. Gabriel’s immediate response was pure gold: “Are you saying I’m old?” Before laughing it off and admitting, “Yeah, I’m college old.” That moment of levity highlighted that he knows he’s prehistoric. Still, nobody minds when you throw for 3,558 yards and get 28 touchdowns.

He might not control the schedule or the playoff format, but he surely can pick his choice.

If Dillon Gabriel doesn’t win, he wants Jeanty to be The MVP

Sure, he can’t say about whose they are about to play in the regular season next season or the playoffs. But when it comes to Heisman predictions, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers. On the same show at the 8:00 mark, he dropped the bomb, Gabriel was asked to choose between his fellow Heisman finalists—Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado’s two-way superstar Travis Hunter. Gabriel didn’t hesitate, going all-in on Jeanty.

“I’m going to get some heat for this one, but I’m going to say Ashton Jeanty,” Dillion Gabriel admitted. He wasn’t just tossing out a hot take; his reasoning came from experience. “Me being in the Group of Five once, I know the challenges that come with that. I played against Ashton this year, and I think he’s a talented individual. His story is unique, and what he’s been able to do is pretty impressive.”

It’s rare to see a Power Five quarterback openly championing a Group of Five player, but Gabriel’s respect for Jeanty’s journey shines through. A former UCF Knight himself, Dillon Gabriel knows how tough it is to get national recognition in a not-so-famous program. If Gabriel doesn’t take home the Heisman, he’s rooting for Jeanty to do it.