Maalik Murphy recalls decision-making process in transfer portal

Last season, the Texas Longhorns quarterback room was chock full of talent, with three individuals more than capable of starting and successfully leading the program — Quinn Ewers, Maalik Murphy, and Arch Manning. Of those three individuals, Murphy opted to jump into the NCAA Transfer portal, landing in the ACC at Duke.

Duke football is positioned for a fresh start after head coach Mike Elko departed for Texas A&M and last year’s star quarterback Riley Leonard transferred to Notre Dame. Leonard’s departure provided Murphy with an opportunity to truly compete for a starting position. However, the decision on where to transfer was not as easy as some think. During the 2024 ACC Football Media Days, the former Longhorns quarterback revisited his decision-making process.

“Starting off, it was definitely tough for me just because of the position I was in with my previous team,” said Murphy. “We were heading, trying to win a national championship. You know what I’m saying? It was definitely tough separating myself from the team during that time, kind of just doing what was best for me.”

It was an unfortunate set of circumstances for Murphy, who found himself wedged between a rock and a hard place. Murphy was smack dab in the middle of the Longhorns’ current quarterback plan in Ewers and the program’s future in Manning. Not to mention, both quarterbacks were considered five-star-plus recruits, ranking in the top three in their respective classes in On3’s industry rankings.

“I was getting into the portal trying to find a new home,” said Murphy. “Luckily I found Duke University and Manny being the head coach here. I couldn’t ask for a better place. I’ve had a great time here the past seven months. I can’t wait to see what we do this season.”

At Duke, Murphy will team up with head coach Manny Diaz, who had a decent run as the Miami Hurricanes head coach but could not return the program to its days of glory. Still, Diaz was able to put the right pieces around quarterbacks D’Eriq King and Tyler Van Dyke, helping both garner a ton of national attention, despite Miami’s inconsistent play on the field.

Murphy appears more than excited about his opportunity with the Hurricanes and the potential to showcase what you can do when handed the reins of a program. The former Longhorns quarterback has eyes toward his future in the ACC and believes he landed in the perfect position to put it all together under Diaz.