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. Purdue returns starting quarterback Ryan Browne but must replace leading running back Devin Mockobee and its top three receivers, including leading receiver Michael Jackson III. Transfers Fame Ijeboi and Jerrick Gibson join the backfield after averaging 40 and 30 rushing yards per game, respectively, last season, while Iowa State transfer Xavier Townsend joins the receiving corps after making 18 catches in 2025. Joey Tanona is the lone returning starter on the offensive line after making 11 starts last season, but Purdue added considerable experience around him. Update (Sept. 21): OL Joey Tanona remains sidelined after entering the season with an ankle injury. Oklahoma State transfer Nuku Mafi made 12 starts last season, South Carolina transfer 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, with Hudauri Hines having the most starting experience in that group at 10 starts last season. UCF transfer Rodney Lora and Georgia transfer Elo Modozie join the defensive front, while Illinois transfer JoJo Hayden adds another linebacker option. 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. Freshman Jacobo Echevarria Lozano takes over at placekicker, while Buffalo transfer Dylan Drennan handles the punting duties. Iowa State transfer Xavier Townsend has taken over as the primary punt returner after compiling more than 800 career return yards. Purdue enters 2026 with its starting quarterback back but needs replacements at running back, receiver, linebacker, and on special teams.