Texas Longhorns QB Maalik Murphy Posts Heartfelt Message After Transfer Portal Entry

Texas Longhorns quarterback Maalik Murphy felt that in order to put his career first, he needed to enter the transfer portal in the middle of Texas' College Football Playoff run.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Texas' backup quarterback and fan favorite, Maalik Murphy, would be entering his name into the transfer portal.

The decision comes after numerous reports over the last couple of months that have indicated that starting quarterback Quinn Ewers will be returning in 2024, and as will five-star freshman Arch Manning.

For Murphy, the decision makes sense for his career as his waiting behind Ewers for what would be his third season just isn't helping him get the experience or game reps he needs.

Texas QB Maalik Murphy looks to throw  / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

However, with the portal closing on January 2 and Texas' Sugar Bowl matchup against Washington on January 1, it'd be unfair to both Murphy and the team for him to try and find his next landing spot. It would also obviously be against the rules for teams to officially contact him if he wasn't in the portal. 

So, although the move made sense and even Steve Sarkisian revealed he understood why Murphy did it, the California native took to Twitter recently to express his just how much being a Longhorn meant to him.

Several Schools Already Displaying Interest In Maalik Murphy

"I would like to say thank you to all of Texas and the entire Longhorn community," Murphy said on X. "For accepting and supporting me, a kid from the West Coast as one of your own. The time I had on the 40 Acres will live with me forever. I’m extremely grateful to have played in the burnt orange."

Murphy came to Texas as a four-star recruit and ended up starting in two games this season after Ewers went down with an injury. 

He led the Longhorns to victories in both and finished the season with 477 yards passing for three touchdowns and three picks.