Former Oklahoma Sooners star Kyler Murray has been named the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, according to multiple reports. Murray beat out J.J. McCarthy in a QB battle this offseason, and he'll be the starter for Kevin O'Connell and the Vikes to open the year.
Murray spent the first seven years of his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, after the franchise chose him first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, his time in the desert came to an end, and he'll enter his first season in Minnesota in 2026.
Murray was one of the most decorated players in the history of Texas high school football at Allen High School, and he originally played for Texas A&M as a freshman in 2015. After just one season with the Aggies, Murray transferred
to OU, waiting his turn in 2016 and 2017 before bursting onto the scene in 2018.
That year, Murray helped Oklahoma win the Big 12 and make the College Football Playoff. He won the Heisman Trophy, OU's second in a row, and eschewed a promising baseball career to become the top NFL draft pick.
ESPN sources: the Vikings have named Kyler Murray their starting QB. pic.twitter.com/VBE4azfGoF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2026
Murray's amazing athleticism and dual-threat abilities made him a dynamic weapon in Norman. His speed, quickness, and acceleration are just about unmatched at the quarterback position, and he was a nightmare for opposing defenses.
At the NFL level, Murray started strong, but has struggled in recent year, especially health-wise. His tenure with the Cards ended after he missed a large chunk of last season due to injury. Now, Murray has done enough to be named the starter for the Vikings, as he looks to show the world what he's capable of on a football field once again.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Kyler Murray named starting quarterback for Minnesota Vikings
