If you’ve spent any time looking at the Purdue Boilermakers football depth chart lately, you know it looks less like a standard roster and more like a chaotic reconstruction site. Things moved fast. One minute Ryan Walters is trying to install his "Air Strike" defense, and the next, he's out, replaced by Barry Odom after a brutal 2024 season that left fans wondering if the Old Oaken Bucket was the only thing left to fight for.
Barry Odom didn't just walk into West Lafayette; he brought a sledgehammer. Honestly, the turnover we're seeing right now is staggering. We are talking about over 70 new players entering the mix via the transfer portal and fresh recruiting classes. It’s a total reboot.
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The Ryan Browne Era Begins (Again)
The biggest question mark—as always in West Lafayette—is at quarterback. Most people assumed the job was Malachi Singleton’s to lose after he transferred in from Arkansas. Wrong. In a twist that felt a bit like a sports movie, Ryan Browne, who had actually left Purdue for North Carolina, decided the grass wasn't greener in Chapel Hill. He came back, entered the fray, and Barry Odom officially named him the starter for the 2025 campaign.
Browne is an interesting cat. He’s got size at 6’4” and 210 pounds, and he isn't afraid to tuck the ball and run, which is sort of essential given the offensive line is still "under construction." Last season, he put up over 500 yards in limited action with starts against big-time opponents like Oregon and Illinois. He’s 0-2 as a starter, but the stats don't tell the whole story of the sparks he showed.
The QB Room Hierarchy
- Ryan Browne (Starter): The redshirt sophomore has the keys. He’s got the arm talent, but his decision-making under pressure is what will define this season.
- Malachi Singleton (Backup): The sophomore from Arkansas is a high-ceiling talent. He’s relegated to the backup role for now, but in the Big Ten, the backup is always one snap away from being the face of the franchise.
- Evans Chuba: A freshman from Montreal with massive 6’4” frame. He’s the developmental project that has the scouts whispering.
Why Devin Mockobee is the Only Certainty
In a sea of new faces, Devin Mockobee is the anchor. Seriously, without "The Mockobee," this offense would be in a world of hurt. He’s sitting on over 2,400 career rushing yards. He’s the continuity. While the Purdue Boilermakers football depth chart has been a revolving door for wide receivers and tight ends, Mockobee remains the guy who can turn a broken play into a first down.
The receiving corps is... let’s call it "eclectic." You’ve got Michael Jackson III coming in as a senior transfer to provide some veteran leadership. Then you have Nitro Tuggle, a sophomore who has shown he can stretch the field.
The Target Share Breakdown
The loss of Max Klare to Ohio State was a gut punch. You don’t just replace a tight end of that caliber. To fill the void, Purdue is leaning on transfers like Kylan Fox from UCF and Rico Walker. Fox is a big body at 6’5”, which Browne will need in the red zone.
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It’s going to be a "by committee" approach for a while. Don't expect a 1,000-yard receiver to emerge in week one. Instead, watch for Arhmad Branch to potentially break out. He’s shown a knack for the big play, averaging over 15 yards per catch in his limited opportunities.
Rebuilding the Trenches: The O-Line Puzzle
If you want to know why Purdue struggled so much in 2024, look at the line. They were porous. Barry Odom knew this, which is why the 2025 and 2026 depth charts are loaded with guys like Nuku Mafi from Oklahoma State and Boaz Stanley from South Carolina. These aren't just depth pieces; they are guys with Power Five starting experience.
Nuku Mafi is particularly interesting. He started 12 games at Oklahoma State as a redshirt freshman. That kind of experience is gold for a program trying to stop the bleeding. He’s listed at 6’4” and 325 pounds—basically a human refrigerator.
The 3-3-5 Shift: Odom’s Defensive Blueprint
The defense is where the most radical changes are happening. Barry Odom brought Mike Scherer with him from UNLV to run a multiple 3-3-5 base. It’s built on speed and confusion.
The departure of stars like Dillon Thieneman and Yanni Karlaftis left a massive talent gap. To bridge it, the Purdue Boilermakers football depth chart now features a heavy rotation of portal finds. CJ Nunnally IV from Akron is a name you’ll hear a lot. He was a menace in the MAC, and the hope is that his pass-rushing ability translates to the Big Ten.
Key Defensive Rotations
- The Secondary: This is the heart of the 3-3-5. Smiley Bradford is a key returner here, recently announcing his intent to stay for 2026 as well. He had 30 tackles and an interception last year. He's joined by transfers like Dee Newsome (Samford) and Tahj Ra-El (Memphis).
- Linebackers: Charles Correa and Mani Powell are the projected anchors. Powell is a senior who followed Odom from Arkansas/UNLV, so he knows the system inside out.
- The Front Three: It’s all about eating blocks. Look for Rodney Lora (UCF) to see significant snaps at defensive tackle. He’s 300 pounds of problem for opposing centers.
What to Watch for in the 2026 Cycle
Looking ahead to the 2026 roster statistics and recruitment, the focus is clearly on sustainability. The 2025 season was a frantic "plug the holes" effort. The 2026 class, featuring recruits like 4-star corner Zyntreacs Otey, suggests that Odom is looking to build a defense that doesn't just survive, but dictates the pace.
The "Gimme" games against Ball State and Southern Illinois are crucial. If the Boilermakers can't find rhythm there, the Big Ten schedule—which includes matchups against Ohio State and Notre Dame—will be unforgiving.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're tracking this roster, stop looking at the names from two years ago. They’re gone. Instead, focus on these three things to gauge if the rebuild is actually working:
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- Watch the Sack Exchange: If Ryan Browne is getting hit more than three times a game in the first month, the O-line transfers aren't gelling.
- Third Down Efficiency: Under Walters, Purdue was abysmal on 3rd down. Odom’s 3-3-5 is designed to get off the field. If that conversion percentage stays high for opponents, the scheme isn't clicking.
- The Mockobee Workload: If Devin is carrying the ball 25+ times a game, it means the coaching staff doesn't trust the passing game yet.
The depth chart is a living document right now. It’s messy, it’s experimental, and it’s arguably the most important transition period in modern Purdue football history. Keep an eye on the injury reports, as depth is still incredibly thin behind the first-team transfers.
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