In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, some stories just stick with you. Raj Murti, the 24-year-old general manager of the University of North Texas (UNT) football program, is one of those stories.
Murti’s journey from high school equipment manager to one of the youngest GMs in college football is wild, honestly. It’s about determination, adaptability, and—let’s be real—a deep love for the game. His story also hints at how college athletics are changing, with new rules and money structures shaking up what coaches and managers actually do.
The Rise of Raj Murti
Raj Murti’s career path? Kind of jaw-dropping. Raised by an Indian dad and Malaysian mom, Murti’s background and outlook have made him stand out in a space usually run by older, more seasoned folks.
He’s 5-foot-6—not exactly towering over anyone—but his impact? You can’t measure it by height.
Early Beginnings and High School Days
Murti’s football obsession started in high school. He kicked things off as an equipment manager at Arlington’s Martin High School.
Pretty soon, his enthusiasm landed him bigger roles: running the video camera, flying a drone, even calling plays from the sideline during blowouts. His coach, Bob Wager, saw something special early on and said Murti could lift everyone’s spirits.
College Years and First Professional Steps
After high school, Murti headed to the University of Houston. He balanced finance classes, football, and hanging out with his best friend, Sawyer Evans.
He could’ve chased a big paycheck in investment banking, but nope—football won out. Murti started out as a program assistant at Houston, a gig so far on the fringe that he was paid through a temp agency.
Still, his work ethic stood out. Daikiel Shorts Jr., the Cougars’ young wide receivers coach, noticed and even invited Murti to live in his townhouse. Together, they hustled to recruit top talent, including Matthew Golden, who ended up a first-round NFL draft pick in 2025.
Challenges and Triumphs at UNT
Murti’s path took a sharp turn when UNT’s head coach, Eric Morris, hired him just before his 24th birthday. He was young and pretty green, but his fresh approach made waves fast.
There were challenges, for sure. Negotiating with players like his high school friend, Sawyer Evans, wasn’t always easy. Murti’s knack for keeping business and personal stuff separate earned him respect from players and their families.
Innovative Management Style
Murti runs things a little differently. He’s all about inclusivity and making things efficient.
He cross-trains his personnel staff so everyone watches film and recruits players. It’s smart—makes the team run smoother and helps his staff look good when other jobs come up.
He leans toward high school recruits over quick-fix transfers. Still, he figures he’ll have to add 30 to 40 new contributors each year, thanks to graduations and other programs poaching UNT’s talent.
Success on the Field
With Murti in charge, the Mean Green have hit some big milestones. They started a season 5-0 for the first time since 1959 and sold out DATCU Stadium for the first time since it opened in 2011.
But Murti knows success brings its own headaches. Other programs are probably already eyeing UNT’s best players—and maybe even Murti himself.
The Future of College Football Management
Murti’s story really shows how college football is changing. With revenue-sharing and endorsement deals for student-athletes, coaches and managers have to rethink everything.
Coaches still call the shots on the field, but GMs like Murti are now the ones piecing together rosters and juggling finances.
Adaptability and Vision
Murti’s adaptability stands out. He’s not afraid to challenge old-school thinking or try something new.
During his interview with Morris, he put forward detailed, creative plans that turned heads. His willingness to take risks—and the way he inspires people—has been a huge part of his early success.
Looking Ahead
College football keeps changing, and honestly, the general manager’s role just keeps getting bigger. It’s not hard to imagine that in a few years, we’ll be talking about GMs almost as much as coaches.
Murti’s story is honestly pretty inspiring for anyone eyeing a career in football. He proves that passion and a bit of guts can really open unexpected doors.
If you want to dig deeper into Raj Murti’s journey or get a sense of how college football management is shifting, check out the full article on D Magazine.
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