EUGENE, Ore. — Dillon Gabriel, after leading the Oregon Ducks on a pivotal drive, sat nervously on the bench as Ohio State was driving down the field in the game’s final seconds. Moments later, he was celebrating in the victorious Ducks locker room, dancing alongside excited fans who stormed the field. He capped off the night by singing during his postgame news conference.
In a standout performance during his first major game since transferring to Oregon, Gabriel led the third-ranked Ducks to a thrilling 32-31 victory over the second-ranked Buckeyes on Saturday.
“We all knew we were getting a dogfight, two heavyweights going at it,” Gabriel remarked. “That’s what college football is all about.”
As a seasoned player with 55 career starts, Gabriel has extensive experience in college football. Having previously played for UCF and Oklahoma, he began the season as a favorite for the Heisman Trophy. After a slower start, he showcased his skills brilliantly in this Big Ten clash against Ohio State.
Gabriel completed 23 of 34 passes, achieving 341 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored the game-winning touchdown with a 27-yard rush in the fourth quarter that deceived the Ohio State defense with a deft fake handoff.
With this performance, Gabriel became the first player in FBS history to throw for 125 touchdowns and add rushing touchdowns to his total.
“Every time I looked into his eyes tonight, I saw a composed guy ready for the next moment,” said Oregon coach Dan Lanning. “He played really well and had some crucial moments.”
The decisive moment occurred during Oregon’s final drive, trailing 31-29 with six minutes remaining. Gabriel completed all five of his passes for 41 yards, but the drive stalled at the Ohio State 1-yard line. Atticus Sappington then kicked a 19-yard field goal, putting the Ducks ahead with 1:47 left on the clock.
Ohio State had an opportunity to reclaim the lead, moving to the Oregon 28-yard line, but a penalty for offensive pass interference cost them a shot at a field goal. As time expired, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard opted to slide rather than attempt a game-winning run into the end zone, leading to a rush of fans onto the field in celebration.
“[Gabriel] showed toughness,” said Oregon receiver Tez Johnson, who caught a 48-yard touchdown from Gabriel late in the second quarter to give the Ducks a 22-21 lead at half. “He went out there against a top-two opponent and beat them. That shows a lot right there. … His poise throughout the game was incredible.”
The last time an AP top-three matchup was determined by a single point was in 1991 when No. 2 Miami defeated No. 1 Florida State 17-16, going on to win the national championship that season.
With this win, Oregon improved to 6-0, positioning themselves well in the Big Ten title and playoff races. They are among three undefeated teams in the Big Ten, along with Penn State and Indiana, but do not face either team in the regular season.
Gabriel acknowledged there is still much to achieve this season. When reflecting on his journey from Orlando, Florida, to Norman, Oklahoma, and now to Eugene, he began to sing “coast to coast” before pausing for the question.
“I’ve learned a lot at every stop and discovered who I am as a person,” he stated. “At this stage of my career, I appreciate where I am right now. … I’ve loved every bit of it.”
As he emerged from the locker room to a throng of fans, Gabriel embraced the moment, even donning a large Oregon hat offered by a supporter.
He shared hugs with coaches and teammates before retreating back to the locker room, where celebrations continued.
“When you beat a great opponent, you savor that moment,” Gabriel expressed. “Winning is enjoyable. There’s immense joy in it… But we know this is just one step in the right direction. Tomorrow, we must wake up and earn it again.”