Barry Odom returns for his second season after Purdue finished 2-10 overall and 0-9 in Big Ten play in 2025, with Josh Henson returning for his second season as offensive coordinator. Ryan Browne returns at quarterback after starting last season. Purdue must replace leading running back Devin Mockobee, while transfers Fame Ijeboi and Jerrick Gibson join the backfield after averaging 40 and 30 rushing yards per game, respectively, last season. The Boilermakers also lost their top three receivers from last season, including leading receiver Michael Jackson III, while Iowa State transfer Xavier Townsend joins the receiving corps after making 18 catches in 2025. Joey Tanona is the lone returning starter along the offensive line after making 11 starts last season, but Purdue added considerable experience around him. Nuku Mafi made 12 starts last season, Boaz Stanley made nine, Ethan Trent made five, and USC transfer Micah Banuelos joins the team.
Kevin Kane returns to Purdue as defensive coordinator after previously holding the position in 2023 and 2024. The Boilermakers lost six of their top seven tacklers from last season and return just four of their top eleven. Hudauri Hines provides the most starting experience among that group after making 10 starts last season. UCF transfer Rodney Lora and Georgia transfer Elo Modozie join the defensive front, while Illinois transfer JoJo Hayden adds another option at linebacker. Michigan transfer Jaden Mangham joins the secondary after making five starts last season.
James Shibest returns for his second season as special teams coordinator with Purdue replacing both its primary placekicker and punter. Seth Turner and freshman Jacobo Echevarria Lozano are among the options at placekicker, while Buffalo transfer Dylan Drennan and Sam Dubwig compete at punter. Iowa State transfer Xavier Townsend is also an option in the return game after compiling more than 800 career return yards. Purdue enters 2026 with considerable turnover after going winless in Big Ten play last season. The Boilermakers return their starting quarterback but must replace their leading running back, top three receivers, six of their top seven tacklers, and their primary specialists.