Former Sam Houston State defensive lineman Chris Murray is set to make waves in the college football world as he transfers to play for Auburn in 2025. After spending three productive seasons with the Bearkats, Murray has one year of eligibility remaining, and he’s ready to bring his talents to the SEC.
Impressive Career at Sam Houston State
Murray truly shone during his final season in 2024, earning first team All-Conference USA honors. With a remarkable tally of 35 total tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, he proved to be a formidable force on the field. Additionally, his ability to create turnovers was highlighted by his two forced fumbles. These impressive stats not only showcase his skills but also underline why he’s a coveted addition to Auburn’s roster.
Recruitment Journey and Early Career
As a recruit, Murray was a four-star prospect hailing from Hirschi High School in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was ranked as the No. 297 overall player and the No. 31 edge rusher in the 2021 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. His high school accolades set the stage for a promising college career, but it didn’t start as expected.
Initially, Murray committed to TCU, where he spent only one season. After taking a redshirt year, he decided to transfer to Sam Houston State, where he found his footing and became a key player for the Bearkats. Over the past three seasons, he appeared in 26 games, making significant contributions to the team’s defense.
Auburn’s Active Transfer Strategy
Murray’s transfer to Auburn is part of a broader strategy by the Tigers, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 5-7 finish last season under coach Hugh Freeze. The coaching staff has been proactive in the transfer portal, aiming to strengthen their roster. Currently, Auburn ranks No. 6 in On3’s Transfer Portal Team Rankings, reflecting their commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season.
Murray’s addition marks him as the 15th overall player and the second defensive lineman acquired through the portal for Auburn this cycle. His performance last season helped him rank as the No. 536 overall player and the No. 36 defensive lineman in On3’s Transfer Portal Player Rankings. This speaks volumes about his potential impact in the SEC.
The Transfer Portal Landscape
The transfer portal has become a hotbed of activity in college football, with more than 2,800 FBS scholarship players entering their names into the NCAA’s transfer database during the 2023-24 school year. After accounting for those who withdrew or declared for the NFL Draft, the final count of transfers settled at 2,707. This year alone, 2,463 players have entered the portal, with 940 already committing to new schools.
The portal officially opened on December 9, 2024, and will close on December 28. However, players from teams still competing in postseason play will have an additional five-day window to enter. This dynamic environment keeps fans and analysts alike on their toes as they track the latest moves and shifts in college football rosters.
Stay Updated on the Latest Moves
For those eager to keep up with the whirlwind of transfers, the On3 Transfer Portal wire is an excellent resource. Additionally, the On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account provide timely updates on player movements, ensuring fans don’t miss a beat in this ever-evolving landscape.
Looking Ahead
As Chris Murray prepares to don the Auburn uniform, the excitement is palpable. Will he be the game-changer the Tigers need to turn their fortunes around? With his proven track record and impressive stats, there’s every reason to believe he can make a significant impact on the field. College football fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.
In the world of college football, every transfer can reshape a team’s future, and Murray’s journey is just beginning. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Auburn and their new defensive powerhouse.
