BREAKING NEWS: Dillon Gabriel Surprises Everyone, Announces He’s Entering the NFL Draft Early, Despite Oklahoma’s Playoff Hopes
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the Oklahoma Sooners football community, quarterback Dillon Gabriel has announced that he will be declaring for the NFL Draft, foregoing the remainder of his college career despite the Sooners’ ongoing playoff push. The announcement, made this morning via a statement on social media, has left fans, coaches, and analysts alike reeling as they process the unexpected decision.
Gabriel, who transferred to Oklahoma from UCF in 2022, had been a key leader for the Sooners this season. His performance under center has been one of the bright spots for a team that is still fighting for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Through the season, Gabriel showcased his abilities with both his arm and his legs, leading the offense and posting impressive statistics. His ability to manage games and make clutch plays had brought the Sooners into playoff contention, and many believed he would be a central figure in the team’s potential postseason run.
However, Gabriel’s early exit from college football came as a shock. In his statement, the senior quarterback explained that after much deliberation with his family and advisors, he felt it was the right time to take the next step in his career. “This was not an easy decision, especially with how special this season has been for our team,” Gabriel wrote. “But after careful consideration, I believe entering the NFL Draft is the best opportunity for me and my future.”
The timing of the announcement has left a cloud of uncertainty over the Sooners’ playoff hopes. While the team has a strong supporting cast, Gabriel’s leadership and experience were seen as essential in their remaining games. Now, head coach Brent Venables and the staff will need to quickly adjust and find a suitable replacement to lead the offense as they push toward a postseason berth.
Oklahoma fans are understandably torn, with many expressing their gratitude for Gabriel’s contributions while others remain hopeful the team can rally around his departure. All eyes will now be on the Sooners as they enter the final stretch of the season, with a new quarterback potentially taking the reins in their quest for playoff glory.
