Dillon Gabriel is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who has already experienced an unusual path to the NFL. After starring at UCF and Oklahoma, Gabriel transferred to Oregon for his final college season and finished his career as one of the most productive quarterbacks in FBS history.
The Browns selected him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 94th overall pick.
Gabriel’s NFL career is now entering an important stage. After making six starts as a rookie in 2025, he is competing for his place in a crowded Cleveland quarterback room in 2026. His impressive performance in the Browns’ preseason finale has once again put his name in the spotlight.
Who Is Dillon Gabriel?
Dillon Gabriel is a professional American football quarterback who plays for the Cleveland Browns.
He was born in Mililani, Hawaii, and attended Mililani High School before beginning his college career at the University of Central Florida. He later transferred to Oklahoma and eventually Oregon.
Gabriel is known for his accuracy, experience, mobility and ability to produce both through the air and on the ground.
His college career was particularly remarkable because he played 63 career games, the most starts by a quarterback in FBS history. He also finished with 18,722 passing yards and 189 total touchdowns.
Dillon Gabriel Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dillon Gabriel |
| Position | Quarterback |
| NFL team | Cleveland Browns |
| Jersey number | No. 6 |
| College | UCF, Oklahoma, Oregon |
| Hometown | Mililani, Hawaii |
| Height | 5-foot-11 |
| Weight | 205 pounds |
| NFL Draft | 2025 |
| Draft round | Third round |
| Draft pick | No. 94 overall |
| Age | 25 |
| Father | Garrett Gabriel |
The NFL currently lists Gabriel at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds. (NFL)
Dillon Gabriel’s Early Life
Gabriel grew up in Mililani, Hawaii, where football was already part of his family background.
His father, Garrett Gabriel, was also a quarterback at the University of Hawaii from 1986 through 1990. Garrett threw for 5,638 yards and 47 touchdowns during his college career.
Dillon attended Mililani High School, graduating in 2019.
His performances there helped establish him as one of Hawaii’s promising young quarterbacks and eventually led to his recruitment by UCF.
Dillon Gabriel at UCF
Gabriel began his college career with the UCF Knights.
He quickly established himself as the team’s quarterback and became one of the most productive young passers in college football.
During his time at UCF, Gabriel helped the Knights reach bowl games and developed into a nationally recognized quarterback.
His early college career also included an important setback.
Gabriel suffered a broken left clavicle during the 2021 season, an injury that contributed to him receiving an additional season of eligibility. (Wikipedia)
That extra eligibility eventually became important because it allowed him to play a sixth college season.
Dillon Gabriel Transfers to Oklahoma
After his time at UCF, Gabriel transferred to the University of Oklahoma.
The move gave him an opportunity to compete at a major Power Five program and face some of the strongest defenses in college football.
Gabriel immediately became an important part of the Sooners’ offense.
In 2022, he threw for 3,168 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also rushing for 317 yards and six touchdowns. He was named Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year by the conference coaches.
Gabriel’s Breakout 2023 Season
Gabriel took another major step forward during the 2023 season.
He completed 266 of 384 passes for 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns and only six interceptions during the regular season.
He also rushed for 373 yards and 12 touchdowns.
That gave him 42 total touchdowns, making him one of the most productive players in the Big 12.
His performances earned him unanimous first-team All-Big 12 recognition.
But Gabriel had one more college season remaining.
Dillon Gabriel Transfers to Oregon
Gabriel transferred to Oregon for the 2024 season.
The move put him in a new conference and gave him another opportunity to compete for major awards.
He became the Ducks’ starting quarterback immediately and helped Oregon produce one of the best seasons in program history.
Gabriel started all 14 games and completed 326 of 447 passes for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns.
He also rushed for seven touchdowns.
His completion percentage was an impressive 72.9%.
Dillon Gabriel and the Heisman Trophy
Gabriel’s 2024 season earned him a place among the finalists for the Heisman Trophy.
He finished third in the Heisman voting, behind winner Travis Hunter and runner-up Ashton Jeanty.
That was a significant achievement because Gabriel had already spent several years playing college football before arriving at Oregon.
Rather than simply serving as an experienced veteran, he became one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country.
Dillon Gabriel’s College Records
Gabriel ended his college career with extraordinary numbers.
According to Oregon, he finished as:
- The FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns with 189
- Tied for the FBS record in passing touchdowns with 155
- Second in FBS history in passing yards with 18,722
- Second in FBS history in total yards with 19,931
- The FBS record holder for quarterback career starts with 63
Those numbers help explain why NFL teams were interested in Gabriel despite questions about his size and long-term projection.
Dillon Gabriel Enters the NFL
The Cleveland Browns selected Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, using the 94th overall pick.
His selection came after an extremely productive college career.
However, entering the NFL meant starting over.
Gabriel had to learn a new offense, adjust to the speed of professional defenses and compete with established NFL quarterbacks.
Dillon Gabriel’s 2025 Rookie Season
Gabriel appeared in his first NFL season for Cleveland in 2025.
According to the Browns, he finished the season with:
- 937 passing yards
- 7 touchdowns
- 2 interceptions
- 80.84 passer rating
He also started six games.
The experience gave Gabriel valuable NFL starting experience much earlier than many rookie quarterbacks receive.
Dillon Gabriel’s 2026 Browns Quarterback Competition
Gabriel entered the 2026 season facing a complicated quarterback situation in Cleveland.
The Browns had several quarterbacks competing for playing time, including Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Gabriel and Taylen Green.
Cleveland eventually announced that Watson would start the 2026 season, with head coach Todd Monken choosing Watson after evaluating the quarterbacks during the offseason and training camp.
That decision appeared to leave Gabriel fighting for a backup or roster position.
During training camp, Gabriel worked primarily with the third team but also received opportunities with the second team. The Browns reported that he focused on making the most of every practice repetition.
Dillon Gabriel’s Big Preseason Performance
Gabriel gave Cleveland something to think about in the final preseason game against the New England Patriots.
He completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns as the Browns won 37-13.
His performance was particularly impressive because he produced most of his damage in the first half.
The outing immediately reignited questions about whether Cleveland can afford to move on from a quarterback with Gabriel’s experience and upside.
Could Dillon Gabriel Make the Browns Rethink Their QB Depth Chart?
Gabriel’s preseason performance came at a complicated time.
The Browns had already selected Watson as their Week 1 starter, while Sanders remained an important part of the team’s plans.
Gabriel, meanwhile, had to fight for his place on the roster.
His three-touchdown performance against New England showed why Cleveland may have difficulty making that decision.
Gabriel already has NFL starting experience, and his college résumé is considerably more extensive than that of most young quarterbacks.
The question is whether the Browns believe his skill set fits their long-term plans.
Dillon Gabriel’s Strengths
Gabriel brings several qualities to the quarterback position.
Accuracy
His 72.9% completion rate during his final season at Oregon demonstrated his ability to consistently deliver accurate passes.
Experience
Few quarterbacks entering the NFL have Gabriel’s volume of college experience.
He started 63 FBS games, giving him an enormous amount of experience reading defenses and managing games.
Mobility
Gabriel isn’t simply a pocket passer.
He finished his college career with 33 rushing touchdowns, showing his ability to contribute when plays break down.
Production
His college statistics are among the most impressive in FBS history.
Dillon Gabriel’s Biggest Challenge
The biggest question surrounding Gabriel has been whether his physical profile will limit his ceiling in the NFL.
At 5-foot-11, he is shorter than the typical NFL quarterback.
That does not automatically prevent success, but it can make throwing lanes and seeing over offensive linemen more challenging.
Gabriel’s ability to compensate through anticipation, accuracy, mobility and decision-making will therefore remain important.
What Is Dillon Gabriel’s NFL Future?
Gabriel’s future in Cleveland became one of the more interesting quarterback storylines entering the 2026 season.
The Browns have already named Watson their starter, while Sanders and Green are also part of the quarterback equation.
But Gabriel’s preseason performance against New England showed that he should not simply be dismissed.
His combination of college production and NFL experience makes him a potentially valuable quarterback for Cleveland—or another NFL team if the Browns eventually decide to move him.
Dillon Gabriel Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dillon Gabriel?
Dillon Gabriel is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
What college did Dillon Gabriel attend?
Gabriel played college football at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon.
When was Dillon Gabriel drafted?
The Cleveland Browns selected Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 94th overall pick.
How old is Dillon Gabriel?
The NFL lists Gabriel as 25 years old. (NFL)
How tall is Dillon Gabriel?
Gabriel is listed at 5-foot-11 by the NFL.
What is Dillon Gabriel known for?
He is best known for his highly productive college career, including finishing as the FBS career leader in total touchdowns and tying the FBS record for passing touchdowns.
Did Dillon Gabriel play in the NFL before 2026?
Yes. Gabriel played for Cleveland during the 2025 season and started six games.
How did Dillon Gabriel perform against the Patriots?
In Cleveland’s 37-13 preseason victory over New England on August 27, 2026, Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
Who is Dillon Gabriel’s father?
His father, Garrett Gabriel, was a quarterback at the University of Hawaii from 1986 to 1990.
Final Thoughts
Dillon Gabriel’s journey to the NFL has been anything but ordinary.
From Mililani High School in Hawaii to UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon, Gabriel built one of the most productive careers in college football history. He finished with 189 total touchdowns, 155 passing touchdowns and 18,722 passing yards, while starting more FBS games than any quarterback before him.
His NFL career has been more complicated.
After being selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2025 draft and starting six games as a rookie, Gabriel entered 2026 in a crowded quarterback room.
But his three-touchdown performance against the Patriots has given him another opportunity to make his case.
With Cleveland facing difficult decisions at quarterback, Dillon Gabriel’s next chapter could be one of the more intriguing stories to follow as the 2026 NFL season begins.
