Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel plans to enter the transfer portal, 247sports Matt Zentiz first reported on Monday morning.
Gabriel spent two seasons as the Sooners’ starting quarterback after spending the first three seasons of his career at UCF including two seasons under now-Tennessee coach Josh Heupel. In two seasons starting for Heupel, Gabriel threw for 7,223 yards, 61 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
But a reunion between Gabrial and Heupel doesn’t seem likely. All signs point to redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava starting at quarterback for Tennessee next season, and Gabriel entered the portal just over a week after Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby left Norman to become Mississippi State’s newest head coach.
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Gabriel had a solid first season at Oklahoma before breaking onto the scene as one of the Big 12’s best quarterbacks this season. In two season at Oklahoma, Gabriel threw for 6,828 yards, 55 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The super senior has just one year of eligibility remaining and will be eligible immediately since he is a grad transfer. And Gabriel’s transfer decision is worth watching for Tennessee fans even if the Vols aren’t involved in his recruitment.
Tennessee opens up SEC play next season at Oklahoma and also hosts Lebby’s first Mississippi State team in Knoxville as part of its 2024 schedule.
We know the Vols’ eight-SEC opponents next season but don’t yet know the date of all the games. The SEC is releasing the official SEC schedule later this month.
