Steve Sarkisian Confident In Texas Longhorns QB Maalik Murphy

Maalik Murphy has the tools Steve Sarkisian is looking for in a starting quarterback to replace Quinn Ewers against BYU.

Steve Sarkisian has said since Big 12 Media Days he's been as pleased with the backup quarterback position as he has been with starter Quinn Ewers. 

It's time to see if that notion rings true Saturday against his alma mater in BYU. 

Ewers' season now remains in flux after suffering a shoulder injury in a 31-24 over Houston Saturday at TDECU Stadium. The hope is he'll play again before the year concludes, but everything is considered week-to-week at this point.

The No. 7 Texas Longhorns turn to redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy in hopes of keeping their College Football Playoff aspirations at an all-time high. And while Murphy might have only and a handful of reps under his belt, Sarkisian hasn't lost optimism that everything the program planned for back in August during fall camp still remains in reach. 

His reason? Murphy. And Arch Manning. Really, everyone who sits inside meetings with the quarterbacks. 

"Not every school is as fortunate as we are to have a quarterbacks room like we have," Sarkisian said Monday at his weekly press conference. 

Murphy, a former top pocket-passer from California recruited by Sarkisian in 2021, finished the final two drives for Texas (6-1, 3-1 Big 12), but was more so asked not to mess up a handoff to CJ Baxter and Jonathon Brooks. He completed one pass for seven yards, but also missed Jordan Whittington on a third-and-four play that led to a punt. 

Texas Longhorns Steve Sarkisian celebrates a victory over Houston at TDECU Stadum in Houston, Texas.  / © Maria Lysaker, USA TODAY

Outside of the Orange-White game back in April, much of Murphy remains a mystery. Sarkisian, however, isn't worried about his lack of live reps, mainly due to his attributes that have provided "wow moments" in practice. 

“Maalik’s a natural passer,” Sarkisian said. “He throws a very beautiful ball. I think there’s not a throw that he can’t make. I think he’s got very good leadership qualities. I think the guys like playing with Maalik and that’s a positive as a quarterback. As a quarterback, you’re only as good as the guys around you.”

Murphy, who's 4-of-8 for 47 yards on the season, made sure to give Texas fans talking points in the summer months thanks to his deep ball accuracy. During the spring game, the 6-4 pass uncorked a 65-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver Johntay Cook. 

And yes, the pitch-and-catch was impressive, but so was the timing. Murphy evaded two pass rushers before stepping up to deliver a ball on the money for the easy six. 

Should Murphy suffer an injury, Sarkisian said as of now the plan would be to turn to Manning. The grandson and nephew of football's royal family, Manning has to complete a pass this season. 

"Coach [A.J.] Milwee has done a great job with both those guys," Sarkisian said. "We're fortunate." 

Kickoff against the Cougars at Royal-Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Texas enters Saturday as a 17.5-point favorite, even with Ewers' injury.