Dillon Gabriel’s return for the 2023 season is sure to pay immediate dividends for the Oklahoma Sooners. They need a little bit of continuity on the offense with so many moving pieces around the quarterback position. OU’s current starting QB is just one of many talented signal-callers returning next season. Brad Crawford of 247Sports ranked the top 25 returning quarterbacks for 2023.
Crawford put Gabriel at No. 10 on his list, ahead of the likes of Jaxson Dart, Spencer Sanders, Devin Leary, Quinn Ewers, Cam Rising, and Spencer Rattler. Here’s what Crawford had to say about Gabriel.
In his first season with Oklahoma after transferring from UCF, Gabriel threw for 3,168 yards and 25 touchdowns to only six interceptions. That included a 14-of-24, 243-yard, one-touchdown performance in the Sooners’ 35-32 Cheez-It Bowl loss to Florida State. During that matchup, he scored on a rushing touchdown as well. Prior to the bowl game, however, Gabriel had been non-committal about his looming decision. Gabriel has thrown 95 touchdown passes during his collegiate career, much of that total coming with the Knights in the AAC. – Crawford, 247Sports
The name of the game with Gabriel for 2023 will be staying healthy. OU’s massive skid in 2022 all started when Gabriel left the game against TCU due to a concussion. That followed a loss to Kansas State at home. While the Sooners still do not have a schedule, having Gabriel healthy for every game would be a boost, particularly against Texas.
The top four on Crawford’s list includes several players that will be finalists for the 2023 Heisman. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix could all end up in New York the award ceremony this December.
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