Despite former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel not declaring for the NFL Draft as many college football experts had predicted, instead opting to return for another college season, head coach Brent Venables clarified on Tuesday that Gabriel was not forced out of the program.
Venables addressed the topic voluntarily at the end of his weekly press conference, referencing several reports suggesting that Gabriel was only expected to play two seasons at Oklahoma to make room for five-star recruit Jackson Arnold as the starting quarterback in 2024. Venables made it clear that this was not how things unfolded.
The head coach explained that Gabriel informed him before the Alamo Bowl that he would not be playing in OU’s game against Arizona. Venables wasn’t surprised, knowing several offensive linemen had also opted out. At the time, it was assumed that Gabriel, like the others, was preparing to declare for the NFL Draft, which is often the case when players skip bowl games. However, Venables said he wasn’t aware Gabriel had decided not to pursue the NFL.
Venables said their conversation was positive, though he was disappointed Gabriel wouldn’t play in the bowl. With offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby leaving for Mississippi State, Venables thought Gabriel’s decision might have been influenced by a desire to be closer to his home in Hawaii. Venables recalled saying, “I didn’t even know I had to fight this fight. I didn’t realize you were considering coming back,” to which Gabriel replied that he simply wanted to be closer to home.
Contrary to speculation in the media that Gabriel was pushed out to make room for Jackson Arnold, Venables said, “You can’t make a guy stay. He’s looking for the next chapter. Maybe there was some disappointment that the NFL didn’t regard him more highly, but no one was forcing him out.”
After throwing for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns during his two seasons at Oklahoma, leading the Big 12 in passing in 2023, Gabriel is now at Oregon and is a top contender for the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma is undergoing a quarterback transition of its own, with true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. set to make his first collegiate start at Auburn this weekend, replacing Arnold.
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