Duke's starting QB 2024: Who will start for Manny Diaz's team in week 9?

Manny Diaz and the Duke Blue Devils will take on the SMU Mustangs at home in Week 9. Diaz took over as the program's 23rd head coach this season and has led the Blue Devils to a 6-1 campaign in his debut season.

Last week, the Duke Blue Devils secured a 23-16 victory over Florida State after their loss to Georgia Tech. This gives them some motivation heading into Week 9 against the Mustangs. So who will be the Blue Devils' starting QB in this showdown?

---

Duke's starting QB against the SMU Mustangs in Week 9

Maalik Murphy will continue being the Blue Devils' starting quarterback. Murphy was named as the QB1 of the Blue Devils after transferring from the Texas Longhorns this season. So far in seven games, he has completed 137 of 232 attempted passes with 1,501 passing yards and 14 TD passes.

Murphy did not have a great game during Duke's win over Florida State last week. He managed only 70 passing yards with no touchdowns. Thus, the QB will be looking to redeem himself at home against the SMU Mustangs.

Coming out of Junipero Serra High School as a four-star prospect, Maalik Murphy decided to commit to Texas as a part of the 2022 recruiting class. He redshirted his freshman campaign and did not play in any games for the Longhorns.

Last season, he served as the backup to Texas QB1 Quinn Ewers. Murphy saw limited playing time in seven games with 477 passing yards and three TD passes. He then transferred to Duke this offseason and beat Grayson Loftis to earn the QB1 job.

---

Duke Blue Devil's QB depth chart

While Maalik Murphy takes the helm as the starting QB, the Blue Devils also have other options in the form of sophomore Grayson Loftis and redshirt sophomore Henry Belin IV. Loftis joined the Blue Devils in 2023 has saw significant playing time on the field.

After Riley Leonard and Henry Belin IV injured themselves, Lofits started the final five games for the Blue Devils last season. He finished with 1,006 passing yards and eight TD passes. Lofits is yet to make an appearance this season.

On the other hand, Belin IV joined the Blue Devils in 2022. He redshirted his freshman campaign while making three appearances for the team.

Last season, he was the backup to Riley Leonard and saw limited playing time in four games. Belin has made limited appearances in three games this season and has tallied seven passing yards altogether.