In a season already filled with historic achievements, Hawaii native Dillon Gabriel is set to add another milestone to his résumé. The Oregon senior quarterback and Mililani High School graduate is one of four finalists for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, which will be awarded Saturday in New York City. Gabriel joins Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashtony Jeanty, and Miami’s Cam Ward as finalists for college football’s most coveted individual honor. Gabriel’s nomination comes after a record-breaking season in which he became college football’s all-time career leader in total touchdowns. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob DeMello KHON (@robdemello) The honor places Gabriel in the company of Hawaii football legends, including 2007 finalist Colt Brennan (University of Hawaii), 2012 runner-up Manti Te’o (Notre Dame), 2014 winner Marcus Mariota (Oregon), and 2016 runner-up Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama). “That means a bunch,” Gabriel said of his Heisman candidacy. “Being from Hawaii, I definitely take a huge responsibility and take that on wholeheartedly, knowing that there are guys in front of me and there’s going to be a bunch of guys behind me. I’m doing my part in the present to represent us the right way.” Gabriel credited his upbringing in Hawaii for shaping his success. “Growing up playing sports with a bunch of family members that love you and want the best for you is unique. With all that experience and having people that have done it before me, I know the way to do it because of them,” he said. 'Think about how many great examples we have in our time. Now it's just my turn to do it' - Mililani's Dillon Gabriel 'doing my part' as latest Heisman finalist as the Oregon quarterback joins elite group of State of Hawaii football legends, Colt Brennan, Manti Te'o, Marcus… pic.twitter.com/SJY14nsvDf— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) December 12, 2024 Gabriel’s journey began at Mililani High School, where he first made headlines as a freshman stepping in for an injured McKenzie Milton. Wearing an oversized No. 96 jersey, Gabriel quickly showcased his potential. Reflecting on those early days, he said, “I don’t think I believed necessarily [in this moment]. At a young age, I was just playing and going 100 miles per hour. But I had a bunch of people around me that believed in me. My dad played a huge part in my love for the game, teaching me how to prepare, work, and play at the college level.” Gabriel’s father, Garrett, a former University of Hawaii quarterback, led the Rainbows to memorable victories over BYU in 1990 and 1991. For Dillon, sharing the Heisman journey with his father adds another layer of meaning. “It’s special,” Gabriel said. “The relationship he and I have is extremely unique—him being a coach, a father, everything in between. I think back to the times in the front yard, on the street, him teaching me a three-step drop or just throwing. Those are moments I’ll never forget.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob DeMello KHON (@robdemello) No matter Saturday’s outcome, Gabriel understands the significance of being a Heisman finalist. As he prepares to lead No. 1 Oregon into the College Football Playoff, where the Ducks will face either Ohio State or Tennessee in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, he hopes his story will inspire the next generation of Hawaii athletes. “I take pride in being from Hawaii, knowing that I represented the right way and being thoughtful of that,” Gabriel said. “Think about how many great examples we’ve had, and now it’s just my turn to do it.” The Heisman Trophy ceremony will air Saturday at 3 p.m. HST on ESPN.