Breaking:Maalik Murphy announces departure from the duke football team….

Breaking:Maalik Murphy announces departure from the duke football team….

Breaking: Maalik Murphy Announces Departure from Duke Football Team, Transfers to Oregon State

In a shocking development for Duke football, quarterback Maalik Murphy has announced his departure from the team after just one season. The former Texas Longhorn, who transferred to Duke in December 2023, entered the transfer portal on December 9, 2024. His exit marks a significant change for the Blue Devils, as Murphy was their starting quarterback for the entire 2024 season. The talented signal-caller has now committed to Oregon State, where he will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Murphy’s Journey to Duke

Maalik Murphy’s career has been one of high expectations and immense potential. Coming out of Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California, he was a four-star recruit and one of the top pro-style quarterbacks in the 2022 class. He committed to Texas, where he spent two seasons backing up Quinn Ewers and later Arch Manning.

Despite showcasing flashes of brilliance in limited action, Murphy sought an opportunity to be a full-time starter, leading to his decision to transfer to Duke in December 2023. The move was widely regarded as a major win for the Blue Devils, who were looking to replace departing quarterback Riley Leonard.

Murphy quickly established himself as Duke’s starting quarterback and had an impressive 2024 season. He started all of Duke’s games, throwing for 2,933 yards and a school-record 26 touchdown passes. His strong arm, composure in the pocket, and ability to lead the offense made him one of the standout quarterbacks in the ACC.

A Sudden Change: Entering the Transfer Portal

Despite his success, Murphy shocked the college football world by entering the transfer portal on December 9, 2024. His decision came just days after Duke’s season ended, and speculation immediately began regarding the reasons behind his departure.

Several factors may have played a role in Murphy’s decision to leave Duke. Sources close to the situation suggest that NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, coaching staff changes, and the overall direction of the program contributed to his choice. While Duke was hoping to build around Murphy for the 2025 season, the quarterback opted to explore other options.

Oregon State Wins the Maalik Murphy Sweepstakes

After evaluating multiple offers from top programs, Murphy announced his commitment to Oregon State. The Beavers, who have been aggressively rebuilding their roster, landed a major coup with Murphy’s transfer. Oregon State was in search of a high-profile quarterback to lead their offense, and Murphy’s skill set makes him an ideal fit.

At Oregon State, Murphy is expected to compete for the starting job immediately. With his strong arm and ability to make plays downfield, he could elevate the Beavers’ offense to new heights. Head coach Trent Bray expressed excitement over Murphy’s addition, emphasizing the quarterback’s leadership qualities and potential to make an immediate impact.

Duke’s Response: Securing a New Quarterback

Murphy’s departure left Duke with a major void at quarterback, but the Blue Devils moved quickly to address the situation. They secured a commitment from former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah, reportedly involving an $8 million NIL deal over two years.

Mensah, who led Tulane to back-to-back winning seasons, brings experience and dual-threat ability to Duke’s offense. While replacing Murphy will be a challenge, Duke’s coaching staff is confident that Mensah can step in and keep the team competitive.

What’s Next for Murphy and Duke?

For Murphy, the move to Oregon State presents a fresh start and a chance to showcase his talent on a new stage. The Beavers are expected to tailor their offense around his strengths, giving him an opportunity to shine. With two years of eligibility left, he has the potential to develop into an elite quarterback and boost his NFL draft stock.

For Duke, the focus now shifts to building around Mensah and adjusting to life after Murphy. While his departure was unexpected, the Blue Devils remain optimistic about their future. The program’s ability to attract a high-profile replacement in Mensah suggests that Duke is committed to remaining competitive in the ACC.

Conclusion

Maalik Murphy’s transfer saga has been one of the biggest storylines in college football. His departure from Duke and commitment to Oregon State have reshaped the quarterback landscape, and both programs will now move forward with new expectations. As Murphy embarks on the next chapter of his career, all eyes will be on him to see if he can live up to the immense potential that has followed him since his high school days.