Duke appoints 20 years old as Blue Devils’ QB1 following Texas transfer.

After weeks of speculation, the Duke Blue Devils have officially selected their new starting quarterback, Maalik Murphy, a transfer from the University of Texas, over Henry Belin IV and Grayson Loftis, according to ESPN C Mollege Football Senior Writer Pete Thamel.

According to sources, Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy has secured the starting job and will face Elon in the opener. Murphy is a Texas transfer who won both of his starts for the Longhorns last year (at BYU and Kansas State), throwing for 477 yards and three touchdowns.

Murphy committed to the University of Texas after receiving offers from 17 high-profile schools ranging from Alabama to Ohio State, Florida, and both of his hometown schools, USC and UCLA. He appeared in only seven games with two starts for the Longhorns in 2023, following a redshirt year as a true freshman. With eligibility remaining and a deep desire to prove he’s still one of the best young players in the NCAA today, Murphy’s best football in Durham this fall might keep the Blue Devils on pace after Riley Leonard transferred.

 

Manny Diaz is thrilled to have Maalik Murphy join Duke this fall.
Head coach Manny Diaz hailed Murphy’s acquisition, adding that the former Texas Longhorn had done everything he needed to do to earn the starting quarterback role.

“First and foremost, all of our quarterbacks have been impressive and made really good strides since we opened practice last month,” Diaz said in a statement to The News Observer. “Maalik has earned the right to be our starting quarterback with his preparation, work ethic, and productivity. I am very excited for him because of his engagement in our team and program. And we’re extremely lucky to have two young men in the room who have won games while at Duke. Both Henry and Grayson will continue to practice as starters and challenge Maalik, and we are confident in their talents to lead our offence.With the NCAA season quickly coming, someone was going to earn Duke’s quarterback job – and every other available quarterback spot, for that matter – before Week 1. Murphy is a former four-star recruit with a couple good wins on his resume, so Blue Devils supporters should be very thrilled to see their team face Elon next Friday.