Dillon Gabriel created history last weekend. He became the all-time leader in touchdowns (179) in FBS history, surpassing a 13-year record held by Case Keenum, as the no.1 Oregon Ducks (10-0) ran out with a customary 39-18 win against Maryland. With Dillon’s unprecedented college career in its climax, speculation around his future is gaining traction. He is all set to be on the NFL Draft board come April. Where does he lie in the pecking order? One expert on the matter has his say.

Collegiate superstars’ transition to the NFL in recent seasons has been hit-and-miss, to say the least. For every Jaden Daniels, there is a Bryce Young. Amidst the fervor around the 2025 Class, Chad Reuter chose to refrain from putting Dillon as a superior recruit in the TOP 25 but as a TOP 50. As a red-shirt senior in his 3rd program, there is little that Dillon hasn’t seen. The Hawaii native is etched into CFB folklore after 6 years of signal calling at this level. He spearheads the best team in the country and is on the very short list of Heisman contenders. 

Chad Reuter released an extensive list of his top 400 draft prospects. The depth and detail of Reuter’s work are commendable, albeit not without some arguable placements. Fans were quick to notice Dillon Gabriel’s name mentioned outside the Top 25. Fellow quarterbacks placed ahead of Dillon include Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward and Quinn Ewers. The full list can be found below:

Dillon’s stock when it comes to being a potential franchise QB in the NFL is often amiss. While the masses tend to consensually agree about his talent, other potential flaws are brought up. For instance, while Dillon is now the touchdown record holder, naysayers are quick to point out that he’s had so many years to do so. Dillon Gabriel is also about to become the all-time leader in career starts, a record held by his predecessor Bo Nix. Dillon is relatively old compared to others in his class.

Another point of contention is his frame. At about 6 feet tall, Dillon Gabriel doesn’t quite exude the imposing physique of some of his peers. This, along with the age factor, makes one think if there is enough tread left on the tyres to make the improvement required in the pros. These are questions that have been asked of him since his initial eligibility a year ago.

Why did Dillon Gabriel not enter the draft in 2o24?

When Dillon Gabriel finished 2023 at the Oklahoma Sooners, everybody involved, including the organization, expected him to enter the draft. Instead, he entered the transfer portal and linked up with Dan Lanning and Co. in Eugene. The reason for this, according to his mom Dori, was that Dillon was given a 7th-round grade in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The 2024 draft class was stacked at quarterback, boasting the joint of most first-rounders in history. Dillon was coming off a career year, although the Sooners didn’t quite do enough to make the playoffs. A 7th-round grade pushed him and his family to stay for his final year of draft eligibility. Low and behold, he replaced Bo Nix at Oregon. Bo was a similar player to Dillon and also had sceptics of his age. Dillon fit the Ducks’ offence seamlessly and now reaps the rewards. 

Although not quite Top 25, Dillon can now be more assured of a team taking a chance at him as a starter come April. Bo Nix’s success from the onset would perhaps make teams confident that he’s ready to sort of plug-and-play if a good system is in place. Moreover, a National championship run will probably entail everything Dillon Gabriel needs to be seen as an elite prospect. At Oregon, he’s in a prime position to do just that!