Maalik Murphy Shakes Up College Football: Duke QB Enters Transfer Portal
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through college football, Duke’s star quarterback Maalik Murphy has announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The news, confirmed by Murphy himself to ESPN, comes on the heels of a record-breaking season that saw him lead the Blue Devils to a 9-3 record and their first nine-win regular season since 2014. And just like that, one of the most accomplished players in the portal is officially up for grabs.
Murphy’s decision to transfer means he won’t suit up for Duke’s Gator Bowl matchup against Ole Miss, leaving fans to wonder what’s next for the quarterback who rewrote the Blue Devils’ record books. With two years of eligibility remaining, Murphy’s next destination is sure to be one of the hottest storylines in college football this offseason.
A Season to Remember
Let’s take a moment to appreciate just how incredible Murphy’s lone season at Duke was. The California native threw for a school-record 26 touchdown passes, racking up 2,933 passing yards while completing 60.3% of his throws. His leadership was on full display as he guided Duke to three straight wins to close out the season, including a jaw-dropping, walk-off 39-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Moore in a 23-17 victory over Wake Forest. That play, with no time left on the clock, will undoubtedly go down as one of the most iconic moments in Duke football history.
Murphy also showed his mettle in an overtime thriller against SMU, where he threw three touchdown passes in a hard-fought loss. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in clutch moments made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
From Texas to Duke: A Star on the Rise
Murphy’s journey to Duke began at Texas, where he served as the backup quarterback in 2023. Despite limited opportunities, he made the most of his time with the Longhorns, starting two games and throwing for 477 yards and three touchdowns. His performances earned him the attention of first-year Duke head coach Manny Diaz, who successfully recruited Murphy over programs like Oregon State, South Carolina, and Baylor.
Murphy’s decision to transfer to Duke proved to be a game-changer for both the player and the program. Under Diaz’s guidance, Murphy flourished, becoming the centerpiece of an offense that revitalized Duke football and brought excitement back to Wallace Wade Stadium.
What’s Next for Murphy?
As a former ESPN300 recruit with offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and USC, Murphy’s name is sure to generate plenty of buzz in the transfer portal. His combination of arm talent, poise, and experience makes him an attractive option for any team looking to upgrade at quarterback.
While it’s unclear where Murphy will land, one thing is certain: his decision will have a ripple effect across the college football landscape. Programs in need of a proven signal-caller will undoubtedly be lining up to make their pitch, and fans will be eagerly watching to see where this rising star ends up.
Key Takeaways
- Maalik Murphy threw for a school-record 26 touchdown passes and 2,933 yards in his lone season at Duke.
- He led the Blue Devils to a 9-3 record, their first nine-win regular season since 2014.
- Murphy will not play in Duke’s Gator Bowl matchup against Ole Miss.
- He has two years of eligibility remaining and will be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal.
As the college football world waits to see where Murphy will take his talents next, one thing is for sure: the quarterback carousel just got a whole lot more interesting. Stay tuned, because this story is far from over.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
