Duke football fans find themselves grappling with disappointment once again as Maalik Murphy, the team’s starting quarterback, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. This marks the second consecutive year that Duke has lost its starting quarterback, following Riley Leonard’s high-profile transfer to Notre Dame last season. The departure of Murphy, who will not play in Duke’s upcoming Gator Bowl against Ole Miss, leaves the Blue Devils in search of stability at the quarterback position and raises questions about the program’s ability to retain top-tier talent.
Riley Leonard’s transfer to Notre Dame in 2023 dealt a significant blow to Duke football. Leonard had been a cornerstone of the team’s success, leading the Blue Devils to a 9-4 record and earning MVP honors in the Military Bowl. His move to Notre Dame, where he guided the Fighting Irish to a berth in the College Football Playoff, highlighted the opportunities available to elite players at larger programs. Leonard’s success on the national stage further underscored the challenge Duke faces in competing with powerhouse programs for both recruitment and retention.

In response to Leonard’s departure, Duke brought in Maalik Murphy, a promising quarterback from the University of Texas, through the transfer portal. Murphy quickly made his presence felt, setting a school record with 26 touchdown passes and throwing for 2,933 yards, leading the Blue Devils to a 9-3 regular-season record. Despite his success on the field, Murphy’s decision to leave adds to the frustration of Duke fans who had hoped his arrival would signal a period of stability for the program.
The consecutive losses of Leonard and Murphy highlight a broader trend in college football: the increasing fluidity of player movement through the transfer portal. While the portal has created opportunities for players to find the best fit for their careers, it has also made it challenging for programs like Duke to build and sustain momentum. The departures of two standout quarterbacks in back-to-back seasons not only impact on-field performance but also have broader implications for recruitment, fan engagement, and the program’s long-term trajectory.
As Duke looks ahead, the focus shifts to finding a capable successor to lead the team. One potential option is Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah, who has entered the transfer portal and is expected to visit Duke. Mensah, a redshirt freshman, led Tulane to a nine-win season and the American Athletic Conference championship game, throwing for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns while also showcasing his mobility. With three years of eligibility remaining, Mensah represents a promising opportunity for Duke to secure a talented replacement for Murphy.
For Duke football fans, the consecutive losses of Leonard and Murphy serve as a painful reminder of the challenges facing programs outside the traditional powerhouses of college football. As the coaching staff and administration work to navigate this turbulent period, their decisions in the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of the program. While the transfer portal presents undeniable challenges, it also offers opportunities to attract new talent and continue building a competitive team. For now, Duke fans are left to wonder if stability and success at quarterback are goals that will remain just out of reach.