Dillon Gabriel Heisman odds (UPDATED): Oregon QB's chances to win college football's top honor explored

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel led coach Dan Lanning's Oregon to a 45-37 win over coach James Franklin's Penn State Nittany Lions in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday. The win preserved the Ducks' unbeaten record (13-0) and cemented their No. 1 ranking ahead of the College Football Playoff.

Gabriel tallied 283 yards on 68.8% completion, resulting in four touchdowns. For the season, the Oregon quarterback has registered 3,558 yards on 73.2% completion with 28 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The Heisman Trophy race has narrowed to two main contenders in the past few weeks. According to FanDuel, Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter leads the rankings (-5,000), while Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty, who led his team to the Mountain West Conference championship, follows with (+1,500).

Dillon Gabriel is a distant third with +25,000 to win the coveted Heisman Trophy.

Despite making his case for Jeanty to win the Heisman during the Mountain West title game, Fox analyst Brock Huard also made the case for Gabriel to win it while urging voters to wait until after conference championship weekend.

“To me … if only coaches voted, Ashton Jeanty would win the Heisman,” Huard said. “I really fully believe that. They know. Travis Hunter’s the most spectacular, most dynamic player. But the best player, who’s elevated his team to a championship and a playoff and a bye is that guy. And I love Travis Hunter.

“I said it earlier, if you already voted and you’re a Heisman voter … just don’t vote ever again. It just makes no sense to me. Get every data point for all of these guys – for Dillon tomorrow. Get every data point you can.”

Opponent coach praises Dillon Gabriel after Big Ten title win

Dillon Gabriel has been perhaps the best quarterback in college football this season, leading the Oregon Ducks to an unbeaten (13-0) record. During his postgame news conference, embattled Penn State coach James Franklin was full of praise for him.

"They've got a quarterback that is poised and confident, distributes the ball," Franklin said. "He's a really good player. He's started as many games as there is in college football. He's been very, very successful. He's very efficient. I was very impressed with him on film watching how poised and relaxed he is. He gets the ball out quick. He's decisive."

Dillon Gabriel might not win the Heisman but will get another chance to show his talent in the College Football Playoff, where he will have the opportunity to lead the Oregon Ducks to their first national championship win.