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Reports are surfacing about notable teams from the SEC, Big Ten, and PAC 12 trying to poach a backup QB from the Texas Longhorns roster. Those attempts failed, as the passer opted to remain in Austin and serve as QB2.
Maalik Murphy, a redshirt freshman from California, is primed to be the first option off the bench for Steve Sarkisian this season. While former five-star signal caller Quinn Ewers is firmly entrenched as the starter, Murphy outplayed Arch Manning this spring for the rights to the top reserve role.
Luckily for the Longhorns, he’s chosen to stay in that position.
Murphy reportedly had a number of schools reach out in hopes of luring him away from Texas. Those suitors hailed from the SEC, Big Ten, and PAC 12, according to 24/7 Sports.
Multiple SEC schools reached out to those around Murphy to gauge his interest in transferring, per sources. Additionally, at least one school from the Big Ten and Pac-12 also inquired.
Murphy’s camp ultimately rebuffed those who reached out — Texas did secure him an NIL package, per a source — and chose to stay in Austin for a chance to compete in 2024 for the starting job.
There’s no doubt that Murphy had interest from major programs.
The former four-star recruit is a physical specimen standing 6-5 and tipping the scales at 235 pounds. He also showed off his absolute rocket of an arm in the Longhorns’ April spring game.
Look no further than a 79-yard bomb to teammate Johntay Cook.
This view of Johntay Cook’s TD 🔥@_jayythegreat_ pic.twitter.com/kKuaY2qI5O
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) April 16, 2023
And there was also reason to believe he’d think about looking elsewhere following the commitment of Arch Manning.
Not so fast! He’s embracing the competition as opposed to running from it.
The deadline to enter the transfer portal ended on May 4th, meaning the Texas coaching staff can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to Maalik Murphy’s potential departure. Though, based on this report, they likely weren’t all that worried in the first place.