NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Red Murdock, LB – Buffalo
3.46 GPA – Psychology
Head Coach: Pete Lembo | Athletics Director: Mark Alnutt
Faculty Athletics Representative: Mark Frank
Coach Lou Saban Scholar-Athlete Award Endowed by George M. Steinbrenner III
A relentless playmaker and inspirational leader, Red Murdock has established himself as one of the nation's leading tacklers while excelling in the classroom with a 3.46 GPA. The Petersburg, Virginia, native becomes the second NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Buffalo and the first since 1984.
Graduating magna cum laude in May 2024 with a degree in psychology, Murdock is now pursuing a master's in education studies, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. A two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, he was also a two-time Academic All-MAC honoree.
A two-year letterman and game captain multiple times, Murdock earned First Team All-MAC honors in 2024 after leading the nation in forced fumbles (7), ranking second nationally in tackles (156), and placing second in the MAC with 16.5 tackles for loss. He has recorded 301 total tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, and 15 forced fumbles thus far during his career. He set the Buffalo single-season record for forced fumbles (7 in 2024) and is on pace to break the NCAA career mark (16), with a nation-leading four more this season with a career total of 15. He currently ranks third nationally in total tackles (with 70 total, averaging 11.7 per game) this year and his 9.5 tackles for loss place him tied at No. 12 nationally.
Murdock's leadership contributed to Buffalo's 2025 Bahamas Bowl victory, where he was named Defensive MVP after producing 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a pick-six in the win over Liberty.
Named to the 2025 AFCA Good Works Team, Murdock founded and directs the Virginia Homework Helpers program, a free K–12 tutoring initiative supporting students in his home state. He founded this organization after seeing many of his peers struggle in school with no extra help, which could result in getting in trouble outside of school or dropping out. He also volunteers regularly with Buffalo Athletics at community service events and represented the Bulls at the 2024 and 2025 MAC Media Days.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
