Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) throws a football during warm ups before a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Oregon Ducks Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Close to Breaking Another NCAA Record

Originally posted on Oregon Ducks on SI | By Zach Dimmitt | Last updated Nov 7, 2024 10:56 AM ET

Dillon Gabriel Assesses Oregon Ducks Performance After Win Over Michigan

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel has played himself in the Heisman Trophy race during his first year in Eugene this season, and in the process, he's continued to make NCAA history.

After moving into second place on the NCAA's all-time career passing touchdowns list in the win over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Oct. 26, Gabriel could set another record in Saturday's matchup at home against the Maryland Terrapins.

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Gabriel currently sits at No. 2 on the NCAA all-time list for touchdowns responsible for with 177, which is one shy of former Houston Cougars quarterback Case Keenum (178). A proven dual-threat weapon, his 144 career passing touchdowns is still 12 short of Keenum's mark of 155, but Gabriel's rushing ability has him in position to set the record with plenty of season to spare.

Last season with the Oklahoma Sooners, Gabriel finished with a career-high 12 rushing touchdowns. This year, he's tallied six scores on the ground, which was highlighted by a season-long 54-yard rushing touchdown in the win over the Oregon State Beavers.

Gabriel has made it clear that he's not worried about individual accomplishments. The fifth-year quarterback is instead focused on championships, something the Ducks will be in prime position to do if he keeps up his impressive play.

"Just not a big individual accolades guy. I’m chasing wins. You know, I think that’s the most important thing," Gabriel said after the win over Illinois. "I got a bunch of guys that put a lot of time and effort into it. I mean, I’m blessed to be a part of it."

Though Gabriel won't give himself any praise, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning is making sure his star quarterback receives his flowers.

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"I think everybody in the nation needs to recognize what kind of quarterback we've got. He's a really, really special player," Lanning said of Gabriel. "I think everybody here has realized that's not ordinary, right? We’re really blessed to have a special quarterback out there operating week in and week out, doing a really good job."

"He's earned the trust and admiration of all of his teammates and the coaches around him, but this guy prepares extremely hard," Lanning continued. "He is the calmest dude you've ever been around on the field, which is impressive, but I'm really proud of him and what he's been able to do for this team."

Gabriel and No. 1 Oregon will kick off against Maryland on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT.