BREAKING: Auburn football transfer portal target confirms commitment, reveals conversation with Hugh Freeze

Auburn football is exploring its options to bolster the quarterback position, and one of the key targets in the transfer portal is Maalik Murphy, currently with Duke. Murphy spoke highly of his visit to Auburn and the impression Hugh Freeze made on him during their discussions.

Murphy appreciated Freeze’s openness and ability to connect on multiple levels, saying:

“Being able to talk to the coach and just have back and forth conversation about ball, about life, him just being an open book… They’re just open arms, you know what I’m saying? It’s a good place, good people here. So I’m thankful for the opportunity.”

The visit gave Murphy his first exposure to Auburn, and he was impressed by the facilities, coaching staff, and overall atmosphere:

“Checked a lot of boxes for me, being here, being able to meet all the coaches, and be around the facilities, see the place for my first time. I’ve never been to Auburn before, and I like what I see so far, for sure.”

Murphy is part of a crowded transfer portal landscape, with Auburn competing against programs like Mississippi State (pursuing Oklahoma’s Jackson Arnold) and Colorado (interested in Liberty’s Kaidon Salter). Securing a quarterback through the portal is critical for Auburn as the current depth chart faces uncertainty.

Payton Thorne is out of eligibility, and backups Hank Brown and Holden Geriner have entered the transfer portal. If Freeze can’t land a portal quarterback, the Tigers will rely on Class of 2025 blue-chip recruit Deuce Knight and Walker White to lead the position group moving forward.

Murphy’s skill set and his positive feedback on Auburn make him a promising option, but the Tigers will need to stay competitive in a heated transfer market to secure his commitment.