On Tuesday, Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables addressed the rumors regarding Dillon Gabriel’s transfer, who is now quarterback for Oregon after spending two seasons with the Sooners.

The Sooners have faced challenges on offense in 2024, particularly at the quarterback position. Following the benching of Jackson Arnold, the 2024 starting quarterback, in favor of his freshman backup, Michael Hawkins Jr., speculation arose about Venables’ handling of Gabriel’s transfer.

During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Venables explained that before last season’s Alamo Bowl against Arizona, he spoke with Gabriel, who informed him he would be opting out and not returning to Oklahoma due to then-offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby accepting a head coaching position at Mississippi State.

Venables initially believed Gabriel was opting out to prepare for the NFL but later learned that Gabriel intended to continue playing at a college closer to his hometown in Hawaii.

“I wasn’t even aware I needed to defend this,” Venables shared. “I didn’t know he was considering coming back.”

Later, Venables commented:

“You can’t force someone to stay,” he noted. “He’s searching for his next opportunity. I’m sure he felt some disappointment over not being rated higher in the NFL. He had a remarkable season and was an excellent quarterback. But we didn’t push anyone away.”

Gabriel responded to Venables’ statements during his own press conference at Oregon later that day.

“Honestly, that feels like a long time ago,” Gabriel said. “I am just grateful to be in Eugene, Oregon, surrounded by great teammates. They are like brothers to me, and I still keep in touch with many of them. I focus on what I can control, and right now, I am truly happy. I know I’m where I’m meant to be, and that’s what matters most.”

This season, Gabriel has been impressive, completing 79 of 94 passes for 914 yards and throwing six touchdowns, following six years of starting roles at UCF, Oklahoma, and now Oregon. He holds the seventh spot in NCAA history with 15,779 career passing yards.

Last year, Gabriel enjoyed his best season with the Sooners, throwing for 3,660 yards with 30 touchdowns and only six interceptions, while also rushing for 373 yards and 12 touchdowns.