Kyler Murray requests transfer from A&M, says decision is final

The will-he, won’t-he soap opera that broke out in College Station yesterday regarding Kyler Murray has apparently reached a climax that will only continue to fuel rumors of the program’s downward spiral.

According to a tweet from Billy Liucci of TexAgs.com, he has “confirmed that... Murray has requested a transfer from Texas A&M and that the decision is ‘final.’” The move comes a day after reports surfaced that Murray had met with head coach Kevin Sumlin each of the previous two days regarding his status with the program and was seriously considering leaving the Aggies. Sumlin reportedly wanted Murray -- and his father -- to mull over a move before making a final decision.

Following practice Wednesday, Sumlin expressed confidence that Murray would be on the team and start in the Music City Bowl later this month.

If Murray is indeed out the door, A&M would likely be forced to turn to Jake Hubenak, a 2015 JUCO signee who attempted 27 passes during the regular season, for the bowl game against Louisville. The Aggies have four other quarterbacks on the roster, but none have thrown a pass at the FBS level.

Murray would become the second high-profile quarterback to leave College Station this month. Last week, former five-star signee Kyle Allen announced his intention to transfer.

The Aggies have no quarterbacks currently committed in the Class of 2016. The football program could be forced to go the graduate transfer route if both Allen and Murray do indeed leave -- provided Hubenak isn’t the answer, of course.

UPDATED 5:16 p.m. ET: ESPN.com is reporting that, "[a]ccording to the family, Murray has been released from his scholarship at Texas A&M and can transfer to any school, as long as it isn’t an SEC school or a team on Texas A&M’s schedule over the next four years.”

Rival Texas -- neither in the SEC nor an opponent the next four years -- will be expected to make a run at Murray, although the website explains that A&M could put further restrictions on a move.

However, National Letter of Intent rules state that once an athlete signs with a school, they must remain at that school for one academic year. Texas A&M could release Murray from his NLI, but it is at the school’s discretion. If he is not granted a release, Murray can appeal. If an appeal is denied, enrolling in another NLI program would result in a penalty of one year of eligibility.

UPDATED 7:08 p.m. ET: In a very brief press release, A&M has confirmed that Murray has parted ways with the program.

Texas A&M freshman quarterback Kyler Murray has left the football program and has been granted his release.