Purdue Football: 2025 Boilermakers Season Preview and Prediction originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Purdue is in full rebuild mode under first-year head coach Barry Odom, who arrived to clean up a 1-11 mess after a successful two-year run at UNLV in which he won 19 games. The hurdles? They are many, including a daunting schedule that will challenge an overhauled roster. We’ll see if the Boilermakers can win more than two games.
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[Editor’s note: This article is from Athlon Sports’ 2025 College Football Preview print magazine. Order your copy today online, or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.]
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Purdue 2025 Season Preview and Prediction
Previewing Purdue’s Offense for 2025
Purdue may have gotten an answer at quarterback in late April after none of the three contenders impressed in the spring. Ryan Browne, last season’s backup who also started two games in relief, transferred back to the place he called “home” after a few months at North Carolina.
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Running back is a rare position with a proven commodity: Devin Mockobee. He’s back for his final season in an offense that wants to run the ball. Malachi Thomas arrives from Virginia Tech to provide a proven backup and change of pace.
Questions loom at tight end. Is George Burhenn ready to emerge? He suffered a bad ankle injury in the spring. Even more questions loom at receiver. The staff imported five wideouts from the portal after five departed. The best of the bunch could be UCF’s Chauncey Magwood or USC’s Charles Ross. The best of the holdovers is likely De’Nylon Morrissette.
The line must be totally rebuilt. The anchor may be UNLV transfer Jalen St. John. If he isn’t the alpha blocker, Joey Tanona may be. Rangy tackle Bakyne Coly could be sitting on the precipice of a breakout.
Related: Big Ten Predictions for 2025
Boilermakers RB Devin Mockobee | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Previewing Purdue’s Defense for 2025
Who will rush the passer with Kydran Jenkins gone? CJ Madden is back after his 2024 season was limited to three games due to an ankle injury. The staff has landed two portal rushers in CJ Nunnally IV (Akron) and Breeon Ishmail (Michigan). Transfers TJ Lindsey (Auburn) and Marcus Moore (Bowling Green) anchor the interior. Jamarrion Harkless, Demeco Kennedy and Jamarius Dinkins need to play well inside.
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Following a familiar theme, the staff took steps toward improvement at linebacker by adding transfers. The name to know: Sanders Ellis (FCS Tennessee State). Alex Sanford Jr. (Arkansas) and Mani Powell (UNLV) also will be factors. One holdover to watch is Winston Berglund.
Transfers have gutted the secondary. Dillon Thieneman, one of a staggering 10 DBs to exit via the portal, bolted to Oregon. In response, the staff has added six portal defensive backs. Tony Grimes (UNLV) may be the top corner, while Crew Wakley (BYU) looks like the No. 1 safety.
Purdue coach Barry Odom | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Previewing Purdue’s Specialists for 2025
Spencer Porath is back as the No. 1 kicker following a spotty debut. He’ll need to be better after connecting on only 7-of-11 field-goal attempts. The staff fished Arkansas’ Sam Dubwig from the portal to punt, although he never has punted in a college game.
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National Ranking: 104
More Big Ten team previews:
Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Maryland | Michigan | Michigan State
Minnesota | Nebraska | Northwestern | Ohio State | Oregon | Penn State
Rutgers | UCLA | USC | Washington | Wisconsin
Related: Big Ten Football 2025 Predictions
Related: College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2025
Related: Athlon Sports 2025 College Football Preview Magazine Available Now
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
