Two Knights made ESPN's elite 2000s QB list. Dillon Gabriel and McKenzie Milton's historic careers showcase UCF's enduring quarterback legacy.
Thousands of quarterbacks graced the fields of college football throughout the 2000s, and in that massive pool, two former UCF Knights cracked the list of top 100 college quarterbacks in the 2000s.
Dillon Gabriel — currently playing for the Cleveland Browns — and McKenzie Milton, the quarterback coach for UCF, graced the list created by ESPN writer Bill Connelly.
Connelly ranked Gabriel 25th and Milton 90th. Gabriel earned his spot because of the video game-like stats he accumulated throughout his career that cemented his name in history with the second-most passing yards behind Case Keenum and tied him with the most passing touchdowns.
"Gabriel also took advantage of the 2020 bonus eligibility year to become the No. 2 passer of all time," Connelly wrote. "He threw for more than 7,000 yards at UCF and nearly 7,000 at OU before leading Oregon to an unbeaten regular season and the No. 1 seed in the first 12-team CFP as a senior."
Gabriel threw for 18,722 yards on 65% completion rate with 155 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. The former Knight also showcased his dual-threat abilities, rushing for 1,209 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Milton ranked 65 places lower than Gabriel. His stellar 2017 season with UCF led the team to an undefeated record, strengthening his resume to make the list. However, his devastating right leg injury is also why he's ranked 90th.
"Oh, what could have been," Connelly wrote. "Milton led UCF to an unbeaten season in 2017, throwing for 4,037 yards and 37 touchdowns, and he was on pace for career numbers in the 12,000-yard, 100-TD range. But he suffered a catastrophic leg injury late in 2018, which effectively cut his career short. It took him three years to see the field again, as an FSU backup."
Milton threw for 9,548 yards on 61% completion rate with 75 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Just like Gabriel, he displayed some dual-threat ability, running for 1,066 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Regardless of ranking between Gabriel and Milton, both quarterbacks repped the school's black and gold colors with pride, even to this day.
Gabriel was drafted 94th overall to the Cleveland Browns and saw starter snaps in six of the 10 games he played. He threw for 937 yards on 59.5% completion rate with seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
Milton transitioned to coaching after his college career ended. He was an offensive analyst for Tennessee in 2023 before reuniting with coach Scott Frost in December 2024 as his quarterback coach.
The UCF Knights now have two top 100 college quarterbacks of the 2000s, and both are preparing for continued success in their endeavors. Gabriel, crafting his role in the NFL, and Milton, passing his knowledge to UCF quarterbacks.