"His story is unique": Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel backs Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty to win Heisman Trophy 

Dillon Gabriel is already in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. The Oregon Ducks quarterback is among the four finalists for the coveted college football honor. He joined the trio of Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter, Boise State Broncos running Ashton Jeanty and Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward.

Ahead of the ceremony in the Big Apple on Saturday, Gabriel voiced his opinion on who should win the Heisman Trophy this year. While he is considered a long shot for the award, the quarterback is backing Ashton Jeanty to claim the honor ahead of favorite Travis Hunter.

“I’m going to get some heat for this one, but I’m going to say Ashton Jeanty,” Gabriel said during his appearance on 'The Dan Patrick Show' on Friday. “I say that because, me being in the Group of Five once, knowing the challenges that come with that.

“Of course, I played against Ashton this year, and he’s a talented individual. His story is unique, and what he’s been able to do has been pretty impressive…he’s extremely worth of it," he added.

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Jeanty has been fantastic this season for the Boise State Broncos, rushing for over 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns. However, Hunter’s brilliance on both sides of the field for Colorado is believed to give him an edge in the race for the award.

Dillon Gabriel on College Football Playoff draw

Oregon entered the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seeded team following an undefeated regular season and Big Ten championship triumph. However, the Ducks didn't receive a favorable route to the championship game.

Dan Lanning’s team is billed to face the winner of the first-round encounter between Ohio State and Tennessee. Gabriel shared his opinion on the draw during the same podcast appearance:

“Totally out of our control,” Gabriel said. “I think naturally, being the first year, there's definitely going to be some things that they'll have to work on. “But in terms of our team and what we have ahead of us. I think it's going to be a lot of fun in the Rose Bowl.

“Like I said, you can't really control what teams we play. But we're in the playoffs, you look forward to whatever matchup that comes your way. But like I said, I think there will be some conversation down the road and some cleaning up," he added.

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Dillon Gabriel led the Ducks to defeat Penn State in the Big Ten championship game. In the College Football Playoff, Oregon will face either the Ohio State Buckeyes or Tennessee Volunteers in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2025.