Breaking down the new-look quarterback room ahead of Oregon Ducks fall camp

Bo Nix was at the helm of the Oregon Ducks offense last year, turning in a spectacular year that had him in the Heisman Trophy conversation for much of the season. He led the Ducks to the second-highest scoring offense in the country. Now off to the NFL where he's competing for the starting job of the Denver Broncos, Nix leaves behind a big hole to fill.

With the college football season nearly upon us, let's look at this year's quarterback room and what Ducks fans should expect.

Ducks fans, Dillon Gabriel is your new starting quarterback

Dillon Gabriel is not green behind the ears. Entering his sixth and final college football season, Gabriel has played a ton of football. He entered the transfer portal last winter, and Oregon was quick to jump at the opportunity to bring in a talented and experienced quarterback that can continue to run their potent offense full of playmakers . Gabriel brings 50 starts worth of wisdom with him to his third stop in the college ranks, and with his fifth start this season, he'll pass Nix's record for most career college football starts.

Gabriel is a proven winner with plenty of arm talent. The southpaw is eighth in NCAA history in both passing yards (14,865) and touchdowns (125). Last year was his best season, turning in a career-high completion percentage at 69.3%, to go along with 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Gabriel also stepped up on the biggest stage. He led Oklahoma on a game-winning drive on the road against No. 3 Texas in the Red River Rivalry, delivering a touchdown pass with pressure in his face with only 17 seconds left in the game. He's an athlete and a gamer. Ducks fans are getting a gritty competitor.

Dillon Gabriel picks up the mantle of the Hawaiian connection

Gabriel brings back a familiar connection for Ducks fans. Growing up on the island of O'ahu, Gabriel played his high school football at Mililani High School, just 22 miles from Oregon legend Marcus Mariota's high school.

Not only that, Gabriel will continue the tradition by wearing Mariota's No. 8.

"It means a lot. Growing up, Marcus, the man, kind of the guy who started it all for us. Him playing the quarterback position definitely was a connection for me directly," Gabriel said when asked what it means to wear Mariota's No. 8.

"And you know, just seeing Marcus do what he did at Oregon– it's special, you know, and I don't take it lightly when the number eight is something that's an honor. It's a privilege. It's a lot of fun. And I wouldn't want it any other way. So yeah, I'm excited.

Mariota is the only Heisman Trophy winner in school history, and while Gabriel in no way is trying to Mariota, he certainly seems intent on upholding the tradition. Primed with a system, with coaches, and with incredibly talented pass catchers , Gabriel has every opportunity for a monster 2024 season.

Dante Moore is waiting in the wings

Gabriel isn't the only transfer portal quarterback that head coach Dan Lanning brought to Eugene. Oregon was also able to secure Dante Moore, the former No. 3 ranked quarterback in the country in the 2023 recruiting class.

Moore is dripping with potential. He has the frame at 6'3" 210 lbs, and showed flashes with UCLA last year of elite arm talent. Moore will get to sit and learn behind Gabriel for the 2024 season, with a shot to take the reins as the team heads into 2025.

Related: Oregon Ducks and Dan Lanning looking to lean on key returning pass rushers ahead of 2024 college football season

Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp , as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.