Oklahoma Sooners Player Makes On3 Sports Analyst’s List of Best Returning QBs
As college football gears up for the 2025 season, expectations are high across the nation, and the quarterback position is more crucial than ever. One program that consistently produces elite quarterbacks is the Oklahoma Sooners, and for good reason. With a rich history of standout signal-callers—such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts—Oklahoma has built a reputation for developing top-tier talent at the position. As the Sooners head into the 2025 season, one particular player is generating significant buzz, making a notable list of the best returning quarterbacks in college football. That player is Dillon Gabriel, the Sooners’ starting quarterback, who has caught the attention of On3 Sports analyst J.D. PicKell.
Gabriel’s inclusion on this prestigious list highlights not only his individual talent but also the expectations surrounding Oklahoma football heading into a pivotal year. For the Sooners, the quarterback position is one of the most important, as the team transitions from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With that shift, it is vital that Oklahoma’s quarterback position remains stable and strong—particularly with a leader like Gabriel at the helm. But what exactly makes Gabriel such an intriguing player, and why is he being hailed as one of the top returning quarterbacks in college football?
Dillon Gabriel: A Brief Overview
Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oklahoma in 2023 after a standout career at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he developed into one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). His move to Oklahoma under head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby provided him with a chance to further elevate his game and take on a new challenge at a historically successful program.
Gabriel’s career at UCF was marked by his impressive arm strength, quick release, and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run. He finished his time at UCF as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and total offense, and he was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the Group of Five. Gabriel’s decision to transfer to Oklahoma was largely due to the opportunity to play at a Power Five program and to have the chance to compete for championships in a new, higher-profile conference.
Upon his arrival in Norman, Gabriel was expected to step in immediately as the Sooners’ starter, and he did just that. While his 2023 campaign had its ups and downs, Gabriel showed glimpses of his vast potential. He displayed incredible poise, vision, and the ability to lead the offense with confidence. Gabriel also demonstrated his resilience, playing through injuries and continuing to improve week after week.
The Rise of Dillon Gabriel in 2024
As Oklahoma prepares for the 2024 season, Gabriel enters the year as one of the most experienced and accomplished quarterbacks in the Big 12 and one of the key figures in the Sooners’ transition to the SEC. The 2024 season will be a critical one for both Gabriel and the program as a whole, as they navigate the challenges of a new conference while trying to maintain the championship-level standard that Oklahoma football has long been known for.
Dillon Gabriel’s inclusion on On3 Sports’ list of the best returning quarterbacks heading into the 2025 season underscores the high expectations for his performance. As a leader, Gabriel has shown that he possesses the maturity, skill, and football IQ necessary to elevate his team. While he may not be as flashy as some of the other top quarterbacks in the nation, Gabriel’s consistency, leadership, and clutch performances make him one of the most reliable quarterbacks in college football.
In 2023, Gabriel finished the season with over 3,200 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. He was a major catalyst for the Sooners’ offensive success, showcasing his ability to make accurate throws on all levels of the field. Additionally, his athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs provided another dynamic to Oklahoma’s offensive attack. Gabriel’s ability to stretch the defense both through the air and on the ground made him a dual-threat weapon that opposing defenses had to account for at all times.
But what sets Gabriel apart from many other quarterbacks in college football is his mental approach to the game. In interviews, coaches and teammates alike have praised Gabriel’s leadership, work ethic, and football IQ. He is a student of the game, constantly seeking ways to improve and grow. His competitive drive and ability to lead by example have made him a natural fit in Oklahoma’s high-powered offense.
Why On3 Sports Cited Gabriel as One of the Best Returning QBs
When On3 Sports’ J.D. PicKell ranked the top returning quarterbacks in college football, Gabriel earned a spot due to his combination of experience, skill, and leadership. PicKell specifically cited Gabriel’s ability to perform under pressure, his impressive statistics, and his potential to thrive in a high-stakes environment as key reasons why he is among the nation’s top quarterbacks.
One of the most compelling aspects of Gabriel’s game is his ability to deliver in clutch moments. He has a calm, poised demeanor in critical situations, and his ability to make pinpoint throws in the red zone and on third downs has made him a key playmaker for the Sooners. Despite facing strong competition in the Big 12, Gabriel consistently rose to the occasion and delivered when it mattered most.
Another reason why Gabriel has garnered attention from analysts like PicKell is his chemistry with his receiving corps. Oklahoma has a talented group of wide receivers, and Gabriel’s ability to build rapport with his playmakers allows the offense to operate at a high level. His timing and accuracy on deep throws, as well as his ability to read defenses, help him connect with receivers and open up the playbook. This chemistry will be even more important as Oklahoma transitions to the SEC, where defenses are often faster, more physical, and more aggressive.
Oklahoma’s Transition to the SEC: Gabriel’s Role
Perhaps one of the biggest factors in Gabriel’s rise to the top of college football’s quarterback rankings is his role in Oklahoma’s move to the Southeastern Conference. The Sooners have been one of the most successful teams in the Big 12 for years, but with their jump to the SEC, they will face a new level of competition week in and week out. In a conference known for its physicality and defensive prowess, having a quarterback like Gabriel will be vital to Oklahoma’s success.
Oklahoma’s offensive philosophy, under offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, has always revolved around a high-octane, up-tempo system designed to score quickly and efficiently. This offensive style will be critical in the SEC, where games are often decided by the smallest of margins. Gabriel’s ability to lead this offense, while maintaining composure and accuracy under pressure, will play a pivotal role in Oklahoma’s transition to a new conference. His experience playing in high-stakes games in the AAC and the Big 12 gives him an edge in handling the intense competition the SEC will present.
As the leader of the Sooners’ offense, Gabriel will be expected to set the tone both on the field and in the locker room. With the Sooners moving into a new, more competitive environment, Gabriel’s veteran presence will be invaluable in guiding the program through the growing pains of such a major transition. His experience will help Oklahoma’s younger players understand the demands of playing at the highest level of college football, and he will be expected to help maintain the Sooners’ status as a contender for the College Football Playoff.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season and Beyond
With the 2024 season on the horizon, Gabriel’s role as one of the best returning quarterbacks in college football places a great deal of responsibility on his shoulders. Oklahoma fans are eager to see how their team adapts to the SEC, and much of that success will hinge on Gabriel’s performance. As a leader, he will be called upon to not only put up big numbers but also to guide the offense through the rigors of SEC competition. If Gabriel can maintain his consistency and continue to elevate his play in key moments, there’s little doubt he will be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation by the end of the 2025 season.
As the Oklahoma Sooners transition to the SEC, Dillon Gabriel’s inclusion on On3 Sports’ list of the best returning quarterbacks is a strong indication of his ability to handle the increased pressure and expectations of playing in one of the most competitive conferences in college football. His combination of experience, leadership, and skill makes him one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, and the Sooners are fortunate to have him leading their offense as they face a new challenge in 2025 and beyond. Gabriel’s future in Norman is bright, and as he continues to develop, so too will Oklahoma’s hopes of continuing their dominance in college football.
