Red Murdock

Denver Broncos

Pos ILB

Updated August 24, 2026

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Scouting Report

2026 draft class

Red Murdock is one of the most productive defenders in college football history, setting the NCAA career record for forced fumbles while delivering back-to-back seasons as the nation's second-leading tackler. The Petersburg, Virginia native arrived at Buffalo from Fork Union Military Academy after earning 3A Region Defensive Player of the Year at Hopewell High School. The 6'3", 240-pound linebacker barely saw the field as a freshman in 2022 before cracking the starting lineup midway through his sophomore year. His trajectory since has been remarkable: in 2024, he started all 13 games and finished second nationally with 156 tackles while his seven forced fumbles led the nation and broke Buffalo's school record. He added 16.5 TFLs, two sacks, and an interception while earning first-team All-MAC honors. His senior year in 2025 delivered another 142 tackles (second nationally again), 13.5 TFLs, five sacks, and six more forced fumbles. He received second-team All-American recognition from Walter Camp, AP, and FWAA, along with a Campbell Trophy finalist nod. The capstone achievement was breaking the NCAA record with 17 career forced fumbles-more than anyone in college football history. Murdock's ball-disruption skills are elite, and his instincts against the run are undeniable. However, he's a classic two-down thumper who doesn't have the athleticism or speed to hold up in man coverage against NFL-caliber backs or tight ends. His value centers on early-down work, short-yardage situations, and creating turnovers through his unique ability to punch balls out. He projects as a rotational linebacker and special teams contributor who could develop into more.

Strengths

NCAA career record 17 forced fumbles
Back-to-back seasons as nation's #2 tackler
156 tackles in 2024
142 in 2025
30 career TFLs demonstrates run defense
Elite ball-disruption skills
Old-school thumper mentality
Instincts against the run
Campbell Trophy finalist
Second-team All-American (Walter Camp

Concerns

Lacks athleticism for NFL coverage
Two-down linebacker profile
Can't cover NFL RBs or TEs in space
Speed limitations cap value
Group of Five competition level
Modern NFL requires coverage ability
May struggle vs spread concepts
Limited to early-down and short-yardage

College Production

2025: 142 tackles (2nd nationally), 13.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 6 FF; 2024: 156 tackles (2nd nationally), 16.5 TFL, 7 FF (national leader); Career: 17 FF (NCAA record)