The NCAA's all-time career forced fumbles leader, drafted as Mr. Irrelevant after a record-setting run at Buffalo.
Khalil "Red" Murdock turned a single Division I scholarship offer into one of the most productive careers in Buffalo history, breaking Khalil Mack's program forced-fumble record along the way. Denver made him the final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, but his tape suggests he is anything but a footnote.
Path to the league
Murdock took a post-graduate year at Fork Union Military Academy after limited recruiting interest before Buffalo offered him his only Division I scholarship. He played four seasons for the Bulls from 2022 to 2025 and was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 257th and final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, earning him the Mr. Irrelevant distinction.
Career highlights
Murdock set the NCAA's all-time record with 17 career forced fumbles, breaking the mark previously held by Khalil Mack. He was a two-time first-team All-MAC linebacker and earned second-team All-American honors in 2025, highlighted by a 156-tackle, seven-forced-fumble season in 2024 that led the entire FBS.
2025 season recap
In his senior season at Buffalo, Murdock registered 142 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles, earning first-team All-MAC honors and a second-team All-American nod. The production carried him from a virtual unknown recruit to a seventh-round pick and the Broncos' newest linebacker.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Red Murdock
- NFL.com: Mr. Irrelevant: Broncos select Buffalo LB Red Murdock at No. 257 overall to end 2026 NFL Draft
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Buffalo
- Hometown
- Petersburg, VA, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
