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Texas quarterback Maalik Murphy is entering the NCAA transfer portal, he told ESPN on Wednesday night.
Murphy said in a phone interview that he will not be with the Longhorns in the College Football Playoff, a decision he said was difficult for him.
“I hate it, I hate it,” Murphy told ESPN. “I’m so invested in this team. Everything we’ve done along the way and all the work we’ve put in, it’s hard to walk away, especially at this point in the season.”
Murphy will soon become one of the most sought after players on the transfer market. He is a soon-to-be redshirt freshman with three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Murphy started a pair of home games for Texas this season, home wins over BYU and Kansas State, after Quinn Ewers was out with an injury. Murphy threw for 477 yards and three touchdowns over two games.
The move makes Arch Manning the backup quarterback for Texas in the backfield.
Murphy said as far as time goes for visits and making sure he finds the right place for his future, it’s best for him to leave the Longhorns now.
He said Texas coach Steve Sarkisian gave him the opportunity to stay, and he appreciates that and everything Sarkisian did for him at Texas.
“Nothing against Texas,” Murphy said. “I’m doing this for me and my future. As far as I’m concerned, I’ll always be a Longhorn and a part of this great team.”
He added about Sarkisian: “I really appreciate the coach for accepting and helping him along the way. As a player here, he was very helpful. That’s for sure. it’s going to take a long time. I’m glad I was able to learn from him.”
Murphy said the decision to leave came down to “doing what’s best for my future” and said what he was looking for was simple.
“It’s a place where I can play,” he said when asked what he was looking for in a school. “Continue to improve and continue to be with great people and great players. And just do what’s best for me and my career.”
Before Ewers makes an official decision on returning to Texas next season, speculation remains in his inner circle. will return to Texas in 2024, as more starts and experience will help ensure his long-term NFL potential.
“I just want to be in a position where I can play,” Murphy said. “I don’t want to wait around and see what happens or anything like that.