As the Oregon State Beavers navigated their first season in the new Pac-12 in 2024, they cycled through three different quarterbacks on their way to a disappointing 5-7 campaign.
They looked to remedy that with the addition of former Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy through the transfer portal, who will provide the Beavers with a talented passer ahead of the 2025 season. What does the entirety of their room look like?
What Does the Oregon State Quarterback Room Look Like Heading Into 2025?
Maalik Murphy (Junior)
Murphy joins the Beavers following a successful season with the Duke Blue Devils, whom he led to a surprising 9-3 record. He threw for 2,933 yards, 26 touchdown passes (a Duke school record), and 12 interceptions in his true sophomore season. He spent his true freshman season with the Texas Longhorns, in which he started two games and went 2-0.
Murphy, standing stout at 6’5″ and 230 pounds, possesses a strong arm that defines him as a pocket passer. His mobility is one of his weaknesses; he’s run for -97 yards in his career with 13 sacks.
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“Felt like a great opportunity, and I felt really welcomed and wanted there,” he said, regarding his transfer to Oregon State. “I was made a priority and that’s all I could ask for. I’m excited to be a Beaver and get out there with the guys!”
A high-profile transfer, Murphy is expected to be the starter. He brings talent and proven ability to the quarterback position as Oregon State endeavors into the new era of Pac-12 football.
Ben Gulbranson (Redshirt Senior)
Gulbranson has been with the program since 2020, appearing in 18 games and starting 11. He started nine games in 2022, leading the Beavers to a 7-2 record and a Las Vegas Bowl victory over the Florida Gators. He was named the game’s MVP, throwing for 165 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another score.
The three-star recruit out of Newbury Park, California has shown the ability to get the job done with the help of a strong running game. When he started the rivalry game in 2022 against the Oregon Ducks, the Beavers ran for 268 yards while Gulbranson threw for only 60 yards in the 38-34 victory.
Named a team captain ahead of the 2024 season, Gulbranson is an experienced leader who’s proven to be a solid spot-starter for Oregon State. He’ll likely serve the same role in 2025.
Gabarri Johnson (Redshirt Sophomore)
A four-star recruit from Tacoma, Washington, Johnson arrived in Corvallis in 2024 after a redshirt freshman season with the Missouri Tigers.
The smaller Johnson (5’11”) saw action in six games in the 2024 season. Known for his speed and athleticism, he was featured in run packages highlighted by a season-high 47 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Beavers 41-38 upset win over the Washington State Cougars.
Across the whole season, Johnson threw for 174 yards and one interception while adding 106 yards on the ground. A talented prospect out of high school, he’ll likely head into the 2025 season third on the depth chart, perhaps with some packages to take advantage of his mobility.
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