Steve Sarkisian Praises Maalik Murphy For Sticking It Out At Texas

Steve Sarkisian commended Maalik Murphy after leading Texas to a 35-6 victory over BYU.

With a shoulder injury sidelining Quinn Ewers, Murphy completed 16 of 25 passes for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick. His head coach is glad the second-year player didn't transfer because of the team's crowded quarterback room.

"To me, in this era of 'things don’t go my way, I’m going to take my ball and go somewhere else,' to have players on your roster that believe in this team, that believe in this football program, that believe in this university, that love being here, that’s I think ultimately why the culture is the way it is in our locker room," Sarkisian told reporters in the post-game press conference (h/t Saturday Down South).

He then praised Murphy for sticking with the program despite the Longhorns landing two other elite quarterback recruits.

"For Maalik Murphy to commit to the University of Texas, and then Quinn Ewers decides to transfer to Texas, he doesn’t blink," Sarkisian continued. "He still comes here. He’s fighting through an injury his freshman year that he had sustained in the state championship game, and Arch Manning commits and shows up. Two No. 1 players in the country, back to back, show up. He goes out and has a really good spring game, and people go out and allegedly are trying to recruit him to transfer."

Sarkisian claimed that NIL never came up during his exit interview with Murphy last season, so he doesn't believe that contributed to his staying.

"He stayed because he wanted to be part of this team, and he wanted to make sure he had an opportunity to compete," Sarkisian explained. "That’s what makes him special. I think that’s why our team really loves him so much. He loves his teammates. He’s a great teammate."

Murphy could get an extended opportunity for the Longhorns if Ewers remains sidelined. Sarkisian wouldn't commit to giving Manning playing time as Texas moves on to a home game against Kansas State.