How Maalik Murphy Led the Charge—and What the Future Holds for Texas’ Next Wave of Passers
In the PML college landscape, few quarterback rooms carried more intrigue, pressure, or week-to-week responsibility than the one inside the Texas Longhorns’ facility. Under your leadership, Texas once again fielded an offense built on vertical stress, athletic playmaking, and a commitment to pushing the ball downfield—an identity defined largely by the man under center: senior quarterback Maalik Murphy.
Backed by a supporting cast of young, developmental arms who each brought their own flavor to the position, the Longhorns navigated a demanding season with a blend of explosive passing, growth, and the promise of what’s next.
Maalik Murphy: The Senior Catalyst
12 Games • 251/407 (61%) • 3,480 Yards • 39 TD • 17 INT
For Texas in 2025, the offense went as far as Maalik Murphy carried it—and he carried it a long way.
Murphy’s senior campaign was everything you’d want from a veteran quarterback in a high-pressure program: high-volume production, fearless vertical passing, and stretches of dominance where he looked like one of the most dynamic field generals in the PML college universe.
The Good
Murphy’s nine yards per attempt reflect what the tape confirmed all season: he stretched the field relentlessly. Whether it was deep boundary fades, layered shots between the hashes, or back-shoulder throws against tight man coverage, Murphy kept defensive coordinators uncomfortable every week.
His 39 touchdown passes finished among the national elite, and the 3,480 yards cemented him as one of the most productive passers in the country. When he was in rhythm, Texas looked unstoppable.
The Concerns
The gunslinger playstyle occasionally cut the other direction. Murphy’s 17 interceptions (4.2% INT rate) often came on aggressive windows or red-zone attempts where forcing the ball became costly. Still, Murphy never flinched—he knew the offense needed his aggression, and Texas never asked him to play small.
Legacy Season
As a senior, Murphy exits Texas as a fearless leader who elevated the ceiling of the offense. His playmaking and command of the system set the tone for the entire team. His presence will be missed—but his impact will be felt in the quarterbacks that follow him.
T. Owens: The Efficient Change-of-Pace Weapon
3 Games • 18/25 (72%) • 222 Yards • 4 TD • 0 INT
When Murphy needed relief or when the game situation allowed Texas to experiment, T. Owens provided exactly what every coach wants in a backup: calm execution.
Owens didn’t need many throws to make his mark. His 72% completion rate showcased his accuracy and understanding of the offensive structure, and his 4 touchdowns with zero turnovers underscored his reliability.
His presence gave Texas a trusted second option—someone who could operate the offense without shrinking the playbook.
Development Outlook
Owens showed enough arm talent, poise, and system fluency to push for a larger role going forward. If he stays with the program, Texas may have a ready-made successor already on the roster.
D. Williams Jr.: Small Sample, Clear Talent
2 Games • 3/4 (75%) • 17 Yards • 1 TD • 0 INT
Williams Jr. didn’t see much action, but the glimpses were encouraging. He completed three of four passes and even tossed a touchdown in limited snaps—valuable experience for a young player waiting for his turn.
He’s still a developmental piece, but the coaching staff now has live-game proof that Williams can handle situational snaps without fear.
K. Lacey Jr. & K. Parkey: Redshirts Preparing for the Future
Neither Lacey Jr. nor Parkey took a snap in 2025, but that doesn’t diminish their value to the Longhorns’ future planning.
Both quarterbacks used the year to grow in the classroom, the film room, and the practice field. Their presence deepened the roster and provided long-term insurance—critical in a college landscape where QB transitions can define programs.
Their next step? Continuing to develop their mechanics, timing, and comfort in the system so they can compete in one of the most competitive quarterback rooms in the country.
Position Group Summary
The quarterback room was the engine of Texas’ offensive success. Murphy delivered star-level production, Owens emerged as a real option for the future, Williams Jr. showed promise, and the redshirt freshmen added depth and potential.
Together, they created a foundation that kept Texas dangerous in every matchup.
2025 QB Room Grade: A–
- Elite production at the top
- Strong efficiency in backup roles
- Minimal turnover depth risk
- Future talent pipeline forming
The only real knock was turnover volatility from the starter—but that aggression is also what unlocked the offense’s highest gear.
Looking Ahead
With Murphy graduating, the reset begins. Owens and Williams Jr. give Texas two viable, schematic fits to compete for the starting job. Meanwhile, Lacey Jr. and Parkey offer developmental stability.
The quarterback battle heading into next season may become one of the most compelling storylines in the PML college league—especially given how explosive this offense remains under your coaching.
One chapter ends.
Another is about to begin.
