Oregon State has two names on the Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl preseason watch list, with quarterback Maalik Murphy and linebacker Aiden Sullivan both landing among the 1,000 college football prospects highlighted for the 2026 season.
Murphy enters fall camp positioned as the likely starter under center after handling the job for much of last season, though the spot is still being pushed by two talented transfers. In 2025, the former Duke and Texas quarterback completed 161 of 277 passes for 1,805 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. His biggest statistical game came in the loss to Fresno State, when he went 31-for-48 for 371 yards and four touchdowns.
Sullivan has already carved out a major role since arriving from Butte College before the 2024 season. The Twentynine Palms, California, native became a full-time starter in 2025 and finished with 72 tackles, including seven for loss, along with a sack, three forced fumbles, five quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. As he enters his redshirt season, he is expected to remain a central part of the defense.
The bowl’s staff said in a release on its website, "Putting together this list was extremely challenging for our team, as we scouted players from all four levels of football and consulted with NFL and college personnel to ensure the selection of the best 1000 players for the NFL level," bowl game staff noted in a press release distributed on their website.
The Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 4, 2027, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Players who accept invitations will take part in one of the nation’s top all-star games, work with NFL coaches and try to improve their NFL Draft stock.
Oregon State’s 2026 season opens Sept. 5 at Houston, with kickoff set for 9 a.m. Pacific time.
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