Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel is engaged

EUGENE – Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel surprised his longtime girlfriend Zo Caswell with a heartwarming marriage proposal on Sept. 1, one day after his Oregon debut. The couple announced their engagement Wednesday.

The proposal took place in Eugene. Gabriel knelt down and proposed under a beautiful tree, much to the surprise of his now fiancée.

Gabriel and Caswell arrived in Eugene in the spring of 2024 after Gabriel transferred from Oklahoma to Oregon for his final year of eligibility. Gabriel did not expect to use a sixth year of college eligibility.

He had hoped to take his talent to the NFL. However, in an interview with The Athletic, Gabriel and his family shared that he was drafted into the NFL as a free agent in the seventh round, which would mean a smaller chance of making the roster, less guaranteed money, and less attention from the coach.

In December, Gabriel decided it would be in his best interest to enter the transfer portal. His time in the portal lasted just five days before he committed to Oregon.

“I knew the opportunity was there,” Gabriel said. “It was really a no-brainer. With everyone coming back and knowing what to expect, it was a no-brainer.”

Now a Duck, Dillon is developing under Oregon coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator/quarterback coach Will Stein, who was instrumental in the development of Bo Nix, Heisman finalist and current starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

“He’s starting to really own our offense and it’s showing in practice,” Stein said. “It showed over the summer. I think his leadership qualities are starting to show up as well. He’s getting more vocal. The guys have really bought into him. The sky’s the limit for him. He’s an incredible person, No. 1. He’s an extremely tenacious person and an outstanding quarterback.”

By his side through good times and bad was Caswell, who supported Gabriel throughout his football career as he moved from UCF to Oklahoma and then to Oregon.

“My friend Dillon is never nervous, so I guess I take on the nervousness for both of us,” Caswell said before Gabriel’s debut in Oregon.

The Oklahoma transfer has put up excellent stats in two games this season, leading the Ducks to two wins. Expectations are high for Gabriel heading into the 2024 season. He is considered the favorite for the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award in college football, and has the responsibility of leading a team that is expected to be one of the top contenders for the national championship this season.

Gabriel and the Ducks will head to the field for a rivalry game against the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday, September 14 at 12:30 p.m. PT. Gabriel’s newly-minted fiancée Caswell will once again be in the stands showing her support for her future husband.