The Rose Bowl matchup between Oregon and Ohio State is drawing massive attention for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the presence of two veteran quarterbacks with storied careers leading both programs into the College Football Playoff (CFP). Dillon Gabriel of Oregon and Will Howard of Ohio State are both in their first year with their respective teams, but these seasoned quarterbacks bring a wealth of experience that few others in college football can match. Both have played in significant college football games for multiple years, faced off against top-tier defenses, and seen nearly every challenge the game has to offer. Their stories symbolize the changing landscape of college football, where the transfer portal, NIL deals, and extended eligibility allow players to make a significant impact in their final seasons.
Gabriel, a 24-year-old who celebrated his birthday just a few days ago, has already established himself as a force in college football, thanks to his remarkable six-year career. Starting his journey at UCF, he then spent time at Oklahoma before landing with the Oregon Ducks. Gabriel’s 62 career starts — the most in FBS history — is a testament to his resilience and ability to adapt to different systems, environments, and teammates. Gabriel’s career achievements are nothing short of impressive, including breaking the all-time FBS record for total touchdowns, a milestone he reached during his 59th career start — a record that was previously held by Houston’s Case Keenum, who set the mark in 57 games over five seasons.
Gabriel’s decision to play through his full eligibility is a reflection of how college football has evolved in recent years. The new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules have allowed players like Gabriel to capitalize on their college careers, earning substantial money while still competing at the highest level. Gabriel is a prime example of what the new norm in college football looks like: players who can now stay longer, garner significant experience, and improve their draft stock at their own pace. Gabriel himself is a staunch advocate for players staying in college longer, arguing that more experience and more opportunities to study the game ultimately benefit everyone involved. As a Heisman Trophy finalist, Gabriel’s decision to stay in college has given him the chance to refine his skills further and add more accolades to an already impressive resume.
“I think it’s going to happen more and more,” Gabriel said. “The older you are, you’ve got to ask yourself, if you’ve got the biggest interview of your life, and someone said, ‘Hey, you can have six years to study, or three years,’ I think anyone would say six.”
While Gabriel’s longevity in college football is impressive, not everyone agrees with the shift. Some critics argue that the extended eligibility and the ability to play in more games has led to the breaking of records that were once considered untouchable. However, Gabriel sees these criticisms as a natural response to the changing landscape of college football. “It’s just different, the way people look at it,” he remarked, before adding, “Why wouldn’t you want more people playing football for longer? You’re going to get better individuals, more disciplined individuals, and more people being coached by those who are living the right way.”
On the other side of the ball, Will Howard is having his own remarkable journey. A fifth-year player at Ohio State, Howard arrived in Columbus as a transfer from Kansas State, where he spent the previous four seasons. Although Howard didn’t win the starting quarterback job until his senior season at Kansas State, he demonstrated his leadership and resilience by guiding the Wildcats to success in the Big 12 and beyond. His strong play caught the attention of Ohio State, and the Buckeyes quickly recognized his potential. Even with the challenge of joining a new team and learning a new system under head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Howard was brought in to provide stability and experience to an Ohio State team that has been one of the top programs in the country over the last few years.
Howard’s journey to Ohio State has been a little different than Gabriel’s. While Gabriel has spent the majority of his career at multiple schools, Howard’s transfer to Ohio State marked a major shift in his football path. Despite not being the most highly touted recruit when he joined Kansas State, Howard’s grit and determination earned him the chance to play at a prestigious program like Ohio State, which has a history of developing high-level quarterbacks. Ryan Day, who has coached some of the top quarterbacks in recent college football history, saw something special in Howard and decided to bring him into the fold for his final season.
“This has been a little different for us,” Day explained. “Typically, the quarterbacks that come into Ohio State, we take a lot of pride in being able to develop them over their time while they’re here. But in this situation, we saw that he was a winner. We saw he was a leader. We saw what he did at Kansas State, the success he had, and we felt like this would be a really good match for him and for us.”
While Howard’s transition to Ohio State was not without its challenges — particularly adjusting to new teammates and a new offensive system — he has proven his worth and earned the starting role. It hasn’t been an easy road for Howard, as the Buckeyes suffered two crushing losses in the regular season, but Howard’s experience and leadership have been critical to their success. As a veteran quarterback, Howard brings a calm, steady presence to the Buckeyes’ offense, and that poise will be vital when facing Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
“It’s good to have experience to lean on at times, but the reality is I’m still in my first year with these guys, and they’re in their first year with me,” Howard said. “We had to learn about each other and grow as a team, and we’ve done that, but it takes time and hard work.”
The experience and maturity that Gabriel and Howard bring to their respective teams are invaluable. With both quarterbacks entering the Rose Bowl with not only the experience of years in college football but also the drive to prove themselves in their final season, fans are in for an exciting game. This matchup is a microcosm of the evolution of college football — a sport where players have more control over their careers, and where experience and talent can combine in new, dynamic ways to create some of the most compelling narratives in the game. As Gabriel and Howard lead their teams into the Rose Bowl, they embody the new wave of college football players — experienced, determined, and ready to leave a legacy before heading into the next chapter of their lives.
