Kentucky football has the biggest name to date on campus for a visit today

Duke v Wake Forest
Duke v Wake Forest | David Jensen/GettyImages

Kentucky football is making waves in the transfer portal as they host former Texas and Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy according to Rivals. Murphy, ranked the 3rd overall quarterback in the portal by 247Sports, brings impressive credentials and could elevate the Wildcats’ quarterback room heading into 2024.

Originally a 4-star recruit and a top-10 quarterback prospect out of high school, Murphy committed to Texas over powerhouse programs like Alabama and Arizona. While with the Longhorns in 2023, Murphy found himself behind Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, leading him to seek more playing time. At Texas, Murphy posted solid numbers, completing 40 of 71 passes (56.3%) for 477 yards, with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Despite limited opportunities, he showcased glimpses of his arm talent and poise, particularly in a competitive quarterback room.

In 2024, Murphy transferred to Duke following Riley Leonard’s departure to Notre Dame. Murphy thrived in his first full season as a starter, leading the Blue Devils to a strong 9-3 record. His performance included 254 completions on 421 attempts (60.3%) for 2,933 yards and 26 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He averaged an impressive 7 yards per attempt, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field while managing the offense effectively.

While Murphy’s rushing stats remain pretty bad due to sacks — a career 20 carries for -97 yards and 2 touchdowns — his mobility and pocket presence make him an intriguing option for Kentucky. His arrival would bring serious competition for rising star Cutter Boley, the presumed starter for next season. Not only would Murphy push Boley to improve, but his experience and proven ability could allow Kentucky to hit the ground running in the challenging SEC. Check out the deep ball he has though:

If the Wildcats can close the deal, landing Murphy would be a major win for head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan. Kentucky has shown a strong ability to attract talent through the portal at times, and Murphy’s addition would bolster the program’s quarterback depth for the next two years. Even after a 4-8 season, playing in the SEC has a certain lure to it. As Kentucky aims to contend in the SEC, securing a player of Murphy’s caliber could be the key to unlocking their full offensive potential if they can address the offensive line.

As always, click here for all the transfer comings and goings.