Brent Venables of the University of Oklahoma football team reveals that they planned to be without Dillon Gabriel in 2024.
With the arrival of Oklahoma football quarterback Dillon Gabriel into the portal, head coach Brent Venables was prepared to be without him in 2024.
Oklahoma football head coach Brent Venables spoke to the media on Thursday, when the topic of quarterback Dillon Gabriel entering the transfer portal came up. According to Eli Lederman of SellOut Crowd, Gabriel not being a Sooner is projected to happen in 2024, according to Venables.
“Quite frankly, we did plan to go into the 2024 season without Dillon Gabriel,” Venables told ESPN.
Gabriel issued a parting letter to the fans of the Oklahoma football team on his X (previously known as Twitter) account, in which he thanked not only the fans, but also his teammates and coaches. Venables was one of the people he personally praised.
“Coach BV [Brent Venables], my coaches, and the football staff, I am grateful for your care, knowledge, and insight,” he stated. “Most of all, thanks for your faith in me and the opportunity to lead and be a member of OU’s team 128 and 129.”
Oklahoma’s head coach inquired about Gabriel’s attendance at the Alamo Bowl.
Venables was also asked by the media if Gabriel would be involved in the Sooners’ journey to face the Arizona Wildcats in the Valero Alamo Bowl on December 28. According to Lederman, the coach provided a straightforward but ambiguous response.
“That hasn’t been decided yet.” “I’ll comment on that when the time comes,” Venables said.
Gabriel spent the last two seasons with the Sooners and it was productive as this past season, he threw for 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns, and six interceptions. In his post on social media, Gabriel said he made countless memories with the team and will “cherish” the moments he made.
“The past 2 years here at OU as a sooner I have made memories with friends and family that remind me how blessed I am,” Gabriel said. “I have been able to play football for an amazing group of coaches and alongside men who have become my brothers. More than anything I have grown in faith and love. I appreciate and cherish these memories and relationships forever.”
The former Sooner and UCF quarterback will test the waters with another team as he has one year of eligibility left. As for the No. 12 Oklahoma football team, they’ll focus on the No. 14 Wildcats as the Valero Alamo Bowl will be on Dec. 28 on ESPN.
