College Football

Oregon State Lands Former Duke QB Maalik Murphy

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By
Colin Lynch
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Colin Lynch Sports Editor

Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.

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Published19 Dec 2024

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Oregon State Lands Former Duke QB Maalik Murphy

Oregon State has made a big splash in the ultra-competitive college football transfer portal by landing former Duke and Texas QB Maalik Murphy. 

A promising quarterback with a story that bridges three programs and countless moments of potential, Maalik Murphy has found his next home. The former Duke quarterback announced his transfer to Oregon State, confirming the move to ESPN’s Pete Thamel with gratitude and resolve.

“Felt like a great opportunity, and I really felt welcomed and wanted there,” Murphy shared. “I was made a priority, and that’s all I could ask for. I’m excited to be a Beaver and get out there with the guys.”

Beavers Land Record-Setting Quarterback

Murphy arrives in Corvallis after a single season at Duke, where he set school records and led the Blue Devils to their first nine-win regular season since 2014. In 2024, Murphy threw for 2,933 yards and a program-record 26 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions. His leadership powered Duke to a 9-3 season, a feat made even more remarkable given their preseason projection to finish 11th in the ACC.

The journey to Oregon State caps a whirlwind few years for Murphy. Originally a highly sought-after recruit from Junipero Serra High School in Inglewood, California, the four-star quarterback committed to Texas over powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and USC. At Texas, Murphy redshirted his freshman year but appeared in seven games in 2023, including two starts. His poise helped secure wins in both games, including an overtime victory against a Top-25 Kansas State team.

After transferring to Duke, Murphy’s performance cemented his reputation as a leader and playmaker. Now, with two years of eligibility remaining, he steps into a pivotal role for an Oregon State team eager to build on its success.

Many Believe Muprhy Would End Up in the SEC

Murphy’s commitment is a significant win for head coach Trent Bray and offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson. With dynamic weapons like wide receivers Trent Walker and Darrius Clemons, as well as running backs Anthony Hankerson and Salahadin Allah, the Beavers’ offense has the potential to soar in 2025.

Murphy was tied to head coach Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats as they recruited Murphy the first time he was in the transfer portal following his exit from Texas. But that story changed when it was announced that the Wildcats had signed SEC journeyman and former Incarnate Word quarterback Zach Calzada. This opened the door for Murphy to find his way to Corvallis.

This marks the second time Oregon State has landed a marquee transfer quarterback in three seasons, following DJ Uiagalelei’s addition in 2023. For Murphy, it’s a chance to lead, grow, and write the next chapter of his remarkable journey. The Beavers couldn’t be more ready.