December 13, 2023

DURHAM, NC - In a surprising move, former Texas quarterback Maalik Murphy has announced his intention to transfer to Duke University, according to sources. The news comes shortly after Duke named Manny Diaz as their new head coach, and it appears Diaz wasted no time in securing a key building block for his new program.

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Murphy has verbally committed to Duke, with a formal announcement expected in the near future. As a graduate transfer, Murphy will be immediately eligible to play and will have three years of eligibility remaining, providing Duke with a promising quarterback option for the foreseeable future.

Murphy, who was the backup quarterback behind highly touted Quinn Ewers at Texas, proved his worth when he was called upon. In a three-game stretch during Ewers' absence due to injury, Murphy led the team to an undefeated record, showcasing his abilities and leadership on the field.

Over the course of the season, Murphy completed 40 out of 71 passes for 477 yards and three touchdowns, with three interceptions. Despite facing various challenges, including an injury sustained against Texas Tech, Murphy remained dedicated to the Longhorns and made the most of his opportunities when given the chance.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed his admiration for Murphy's commitment and contributions to the team, particularly after the arrival of top recruit Arch Manning created speculation and rumors of tampering. Sarkisian praised Murphy's loyalty and his competitive spirit, which endeared him to both his teammates and coaches alike.

Before joining the Longhorns, Murphy showcased his talents at Junipero Serra High School in California. As a highly regarded prospect, he earned a four-star rating and was ranked as the No. 205 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle by the On3 Industry Ranking.

Now, Murphy sets his sights on Duke, where he will play a crucial role in Coach Diaz's plans to rebuild and strengthen the football program. Diaz, who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Penn State, takes over the helm at Duke following the departure of Mike Elko.

Murphy's addition to the Blue Devils roster fills a void left by former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, who transferred to Notre Dame following Elko's exit. Ranked as the No. 41 player in the transfer portal and the 12th best quarterback available, Murphy brings a wealth of talent and potential to Duke's offense.

The announcement of Maalik Murphy's transfer to Duke has generated excitement and optimism among fans and the football community. With his skills and dedication, Murphy has the potential to make a significant impact as he becomes an integral part of Coach Diaz's vision for success at Duke University.

Title: Former Texas Quarterback Maalik Murphy Commits to Transfer to Duke, Brings Spark to Coach Diaz's Rebuilding Efforts