Former QB Maalik Murphy of the Texas Longhorns Accesses the Transfer Portal
Maalik Murphy Returns to Transfer Portal After Brief Stint at Duke
AUSTIN – Former Texas Longhorns quarterback Maalik Murphy has re-entered the transfer portal, marking another chapter in his collegiate football journey. After spending just one season with the Duke Blue Devils, Murphy is back on the open market, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Monday.
Murphy’s decision comes after an impressive season with the Blue Devils, where he led the team to a 9-3 record. Despite his contributions, he will not participate in the upcoming TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against the Ole Miss Rebels. With this game, Duke has an opportunity to clinch its first 10-win season since 2013—a milestone Murphy helped make possible during his short tenure.
From Austin to Durham: Murphy’s Journey
Murphy initially transferred to Duke during the last offseason after spending two years at the University of Texas. During his time as a Longhorn, he made seven appearances, including two starts. He completed 40 of 71 pass attempts for 477 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions. While Murphy showed flashes of his potential, his departure was primarily driven by a crowded quarterback room. The emergence of highly touted recruit Arch Manning and the return of starter Quinn Ewers left limited opportunities for Murphy to secure a consistent starting role in Austin.
Murphy’s decision to transfer came just before Texas competed in the College Football Playoff (CFP) Semifinal against Washington in January. However, his contributions earlier in the season were instrumental in the Longhorns’ journey to the CFP. When Ewers suffered an injury during a game against Houston, Murphy stepped in to lead the team to a narrow 28-21 victory. He went on to start two consecutive games against BYU and Kansas State, both of which were pivotal home wins that propelled Texas to a Big 12 Championship and secured their CFP berth.
A Promising Season at Duke
Murphy’s move to Duke offered him the opportunity he sought—a starting role where he could showcase his skills. He made the most of his time in Durham, completing 254 of 421 pass attempts for 2,933 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Additionally, he contributed two rushing touchdowns, further highlighting his dual-threat capabilities.
The Blue Devils’ 9-3 record under Murphy’s leadership was a significant accomplishment for the program. However, their three losses underscored just how close they were to competing for an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship and possibly a CFP spot. In a series of heartbreakers, Duke lost a 28-27 overtime thriller to SMU and suffered a tough 24-14 defeat against Georgia Tech. Perhaps the most notable game of the season was against then-No. 5 Miami, where Murphy led Duke to a 28-17 lead on the road. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes staged a stunning comeback, ultimately defeating the Blue Devils 53-31.
Why Murphy’s Time at Duke Was Short-Lived
Despite his strong performance, Murphy’s tenure at Duke has come to an end after just one season. While the reasons for his decision to transfer again are not fully detailed, several factors may have influenced his choice. One possibility is the pursuit of a team that aligns more closely with his aspirations of competing at the highest level, such as for a conference title or CFP berth. Another factor could be the evolving landscape of college football, where players frequently use the transfer portal to seek better opportunities, whether for playing time, exposure, or development.
Murphy’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for the Blue Devils. While his absence in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will be felt, the team remains poised to achieve a historic 10-win season, a testament to the foundation he helped build during his short time with the program.
The Road Ahead for Murphy
As Murphy returns to the transfer portal, his next destination remains uncertain. However, his resume is likely to attract interest from programs in need of a capable and experienced quarterback. His performance at both Texas and Duke has demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver results, making him an asset to any team looking to make a competitive push.
For Murphy, the decision will likely hinge on finding a program where he can not only start but also thrive in an offensive system tailored to his strengths. Given his track record, teams in both Power Five and Group of Five conferences could be potential landing spots.
Reflection on Murphy’s Impact
Although Murphy’s collegiate career has been marked by frequent transitions, his impact at both Texas and Duke is undeniable. At Texas, he played a crucial role in keeping the Longhorns’ playoff hopes alive during a critical juncture in the season. At Duke, he revitalized a program that had not seen such success in a decade, nearly positioning the Blue Devils as contenders in the ACC.
In today’s era of college football, where the transfer portal has become a central component of roster management, Murphy’s journey exemplifies the challenges and opportunities facing modern athletes. Balancing personal aspirations with team success is a delicate act, and Murphy’s decisions reflect a commitment to maximizing his potential as a player.
