How a Hawaiian Quarterback Tied an All-Time College Football Passing Record
In short: Dillon Gabriel’s journey from a multi-sport youth in Hawaii to the NFL is defined by resilience and record-breaking precision. After a collegiate career spanning three universities and six seasons, he finished his time in the NCAA tied for the most touchdown passes in Football Bowl Subdivision history.
Born in Mililani, Hawaii, in 2000, Dillon Gabriel grew up in an athletic household. His father, Garrett, was a standout quarterback for the University of Hawaii, and his mother, Dori, played college softball. Gabriel initially played multiple positions, including safety and running back, before committing to the quarterback role between ages 10 and 12. His high school career at Mililani High School was prolific; he set a Hawaii state record with 9,848 passing yards, surpassing the mark previously held by Tua Tagovailoa.
Gabriel’s college career was marked by significant transitions and perseverance. After starting at UCF in 2019, he faced a season-ending broken clavicle in 2021, which eventually led him to transfer to Oklahoma and later Oregon. His sixth year of eligibility, granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed him to finish his college tenure with the Ducks. By the time he played his final game in the 2025 Rose Bowl, he had accumulated 155 touchdown passes, matching the FBS record previously held by Case Keenum.
Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL draft, Gabriel’s professional start included a historic milestone: his first NFL start against the Minnesota Vikings in London made him the first quarterback to debut as a starter outside the United States. Throughout his career, Gabriel has maintained strong ties to his heritage and mentors, including fellow Oregon alumnus Marcus Mariota. Named after NFL running back Corey Dillon, Gabriel continues a family tradition of athletic naming, with his younger brother Roman named after the 1969 NFL MVP, Roman Gabriel.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dillon Gabriel
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