As the 2024 college football season unfolds, a sixth-year senior from Oregon is rewriting the record books with each passing week. Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks’ star quarterback, etched his name into FBS lore on Saturday, surging past former Boise State signal-caller Kellen Moore to claim second place on the all-time passing touchdowns list.
In a marquee matchup against No. 20 Illinois, the top-ranked Ducks showcased their aerial prowess, with Gabriel leading the charge. The 23-year-old gunslinger connected with running back Noah Whittington on a 2-yard shovel pass late in the second quarter, notching his 143rd career touchdown pass and breaking a tie with Moore.
A Journey Through College Football History
Gabriel’s ascent to the upper echelons of the FBS record books has been a testament to his longevity and consistent excellence. The Florida native began his collegiate career at UCF in 2019, where he amassed an impressive 70 touchdown passes over three seasons. A transfer to Oklahoma in 2021 saw Gabriel add another 55 scoring strikes to his tally across two campaigns.
But it’s been at Oregon where the seasoned quarterback has truly flourished. Since arriving in Eugene this offseason, Gabriel has been the driving force behind the Ducks’ high-powered offense, already racking up 18 touchdown passes through the first half of the 2024 season.
Chasing Case Keenum’s Record
With his latest milestone, Gabriel now sets his sights on the FBS record held by former Houston Cougar Case Keenum. During his illustrious college career from 2007 to 2011, Keenum amassed a staggering 155 touchdown passes, setting a benchmark that has stood for over a decade.
For Gabriel to surpass Keenum, he’ll need to maintain his torrid pace through the remainder of the 2024 campaign. The Ducks’ signal-caller has already thrown for over 3,000 yards in four separate seasons, and if he can replicate that success this year, the record could well be within reach.
A Heisman-Worthy Performance?
As Gabriel continues to light up the scoreboard, whispers of a potential Heisman Trophy run have begun to circulate. The Oregon star’s numbers certainly warrant consideration, but he’ll face stiff competition from a talented field of contenders.
“Dillon’s playing at an incredibly high level right now,” remarked a source close to the Oregon program. “If he keeps this up, it’s hard to imagine him not being in the Heisman conversation.”
With a showdown against Pac-12 rival USC looming and a potential College Football Playoff berth on the line, Gabriel will have ample opportunity to showcase his skills on the national stage. Should he lead the Ducks to glory and eclipse Keenum’s record along the way, the sixth-year senior could cement his place among the all-time greats of the college game.
As the 2024 season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Eugene, where a quarterback on the cusp of history looks to rewrite the record books one touchdown pass at a time. For Dillon Gabriel, the pursuit of FBS immortality is well underway, and the college football world waits with bated breath to see if he can rise to the occasion and secure his spot in the annals of the sport.
But it’s been at Oregon where the seasoned quarterback has truly flourished. Since arriving in Eugene this offseason, Gabriel has been the driving force behind the Ducks’ high-powered offense, already racking up 18 touchdown passes through the first half of the 2024 season.
Chasing Case Keenum’s Record
With his latest milestone, Gabriel now sets his sights on the FBS record held by former Houston Cougar Case Keenum. During his illustrious college career from 2007 to 2011, Keenum amassed a staggering 155 touchdown passes, setting a benchmark that has stood for over a decade.
For Gabriel to surpass Keenum, he’ll need to maintain his torrid pace through the remainder of the 2024 campaign. The Ducks’ signal-caller has already thrown for over 3,000 yards in four separate seasons, and if he can replicate that success this year, the record could well be within reach.
A Heisman-Worthy Performance?
As Gabriel continues to light up the scoreboard, whispers of a potential Heisman Trophy run have begun to circulate. The Oregon star’s numbers certainly warrant consideration, but he’ll face stiff competition from a talented field of contenders.
“Dillon’s playing at an incredibly high level right now,” remarked a source close to the Oregon program. “If he keeps this up, it’s hard to imagine him not being in the Heisman conversation.”
With a showdown against Pac-12 rival USC looming and a potential College Football Playoff berth on the line, Gabriel will have ample opportunity to showcase his skills on the national stage. Should he lead the Ducks to glory and eclipse Keenum’s record along the way, the sixth-year senior could cement his place among the all-time greats of the college game.
As the 2024 season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Eugene, where a quarterback on the cusp of history looks to rewrite the record books one touchdown pass at a time. For Dillon Gabriel, the pursuit of FBS immortality is well underway, and the college football world waits with bated breath to see if he can rise to the occasion and secure his spot in the annals of the sport.
