Pete Thamel, ESPND13. December 2023, 7:14 p.m. ET
Texas backup quarterback Maalik Murphy is entering the NCAA transfer portal, he told ESPN on Wednesday night.
Murphy said in a telephone interview that he would not compete with the Longhorns in the College Football Playoff, a decision he described as painful for him.
“I hate it, I hate it,” Murphy told ESPN. “I’m very invested in this team. Everything we’ve done along the way and all the work we’ve done together is hard to leave out, especially at this point in the season.”
Murphy will immediately become one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal market. He is a redshirt freshman who is eligible to play immediately and has three more seasons of eligibility.
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Murphy started two home games for Texas this season, home wins against BYU and Kansas State, when starter Quinn Ewers was sidelined due to injury. Murphy threw for 477 yards and three touchdowns in the two games.
The move makes true freshman Arch Manning the backup quarterback for Texas' postseason run.
Murphy said given the amount of time the visits will take and to ensure he finds the right place for his future, it is best for him to leave the Longhorns now.
He said Texas coach Steve Sarkisian gave him the opportunity to stay and that he appreciates that and everything Sarkisian did for him at Texas.
“It’s nothing against Texas at all,” Murphy said. “I only do this for myself and my future. In my mind, I will always be a Longhorn and a part of this great team.”
Of Sarkisian, he added: “I really appreciate Coach for being so accommodating and helpful along the way. As a player here he was super helpful. I will definitely go a long way. I’m glad I was able to be coached by him.”
Murphy said the decision to leave was due to “doing what's best for my future” and said what he was striving for was simple.
“A place where I can play,” he said when asked what he looks for in a school. “To continue to improve and continue to be around great people and great players. And just doing what’s best for me and my career.”
While Ewers has not yet made an official decision about returning to Texas next season, the prevailing opinion among his circle is that he will return to Texas in 2024 as more starts and experience will help strengthen his long-term NFL to secure potential.
“I just want to be in a position where I can play,” Murphy said. “I don’t want to wait and see what happens or anything like that. I’d rather boost my career while I can.”