How does Murphy's transfer affect Manning and Texas?

Maalik Murphy. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

How does Maalik Murphy's transfer affect Arch Manning and Texas?

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 12/14/23

While quarterback Quinn Ewers’ likely decision to forgo the NFL Draft and return to school in 2024 was reason for celebrating for many Texas Longhorn fans, it’s already come at a cost.

Not wanting to possibly ride the bench for a second straight season, four-star freshman quarterback Maalik Murphy confirmed to ESPN that he entered the NCAA transfer portal on Wednesday night, and many have wondered if five-star freshman quarterback Arch Manning will do the same.

“It's nothing against Texas at all,” Murphy told ESPN. “I'm doing this purely for me and my future. In my eyes, I'll always be a Longhorn and a part of this great team. … I just want to be in a position where I can play. I don't want to be waiting around and see what happens or anything like that. I'd rather kickstart my career while I can.”

Murphy, the No. 12-ranked quarterback in the class of 2022 per the 247Sports composite rankings, will likely be one of the more sought after QBs in the portal.

He threw for 418 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in wins over BYU and Kansas State this year with Ewers sidelined with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder.

Manning, who will now be Texas’ No. 2 QB for its upcoming College Football Playoff run with Murphy no longer on the roster, is reportedly leaning toward returning to Texas next season, according to 247Sports, which also reported that Ewers could be swayed to leave school depending on his performance in the CFP and possible national championship game.

Was reported that Quinn Ewers was 90% coming back to Texas but if he lands on that 10% and leaves for the NFL, the Arch Manning era begins on the 40 https://t.co/gzysKhMc1I
— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) December 14, 2023

While Manning sticking it out at UT behind Ewers is a nice sentiment, it’s tough to see the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2023 being completely fine with spending the first two years of his college career on the bench, especially when he could start immediately on nearly any other team in the country, give or take a few.

If Manning were to enter the transfer portal, he would unquestionably be the most sought after player in the country and have his pick of potential new schools, many of which including Florida, LSU, Miami, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Oklahoma and USC have openings to fill at QB.

But for right now, all signs point to Manning riding it out as the Longhorns' No. 2 QB for another year with an eye toward taking over as the starter in 2025.

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