What Braden Smith's Consensus All-American Selection Means for Purdue Basketball

Braden Smith is a consensus first-team All-American, which puts Purdue in the conversation among the elite programs in college basketball.

Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) dribbles the ball. | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Even when Purdue basketball isn't on the court, history continues to be made. That's the case when Braden Smith received consensus first-team All-American status, putting the Boilermakers in the conversation with some of the other elite programs in college basketball.

Smith was a consensus first-team All-American selection for the 2025-26 season, marking a fourth consecutive year in which a player from Purdue has received that recognition: Zach Edey (2023 and 2024) and Smith (2025 and 2026).

According to Purdue's sports information director Chris Forman, it is the first time a school has had a player selected as a consensus All-American in four straight seasons since Duke had one every year from 1999 through 2002.

Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) celebrates. | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Additionally, Purdue has now had at least one player earn first-team All-American honors in five straight seasons. It is the first time a program has produced that kind of talent since UCLA had All-American players every season from 1971 through 1979.

The rundown of Purdue's most recent first-team All-Americans includes:

• Braden Smith (2025, 2026)
• Zach Edey (2023, 2024)
• Jaden Ivey (2022)

Purdue ranks second in college basketball for most All-Americans. The Boilers have produced 30 All-Americans in their history, second only to Kansas, which has 32.

Smith continues to rake in accolades

Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) reacts to a play. | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Smith ends his career as one of the most decorated players in the history of Purdue basketball. He broke the NCAA's assist record, was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2025, and also won the Bob Cousy Award as a junior.

This year, Smith earned first-team All-Big Ten honors for a third consecutive year. He also became just the fourth player in Purdue history to be named a consensus first-team All-American in multiple years. The others to accomplish that task include Terry Dischinger (1961, 1962), Rick Mount (1969, 1970) and Edey (2023, 2024).

Smith was Purdue's leading scorer and one of the top passers in college basketball during his senior campaign. He averaged 14.3 points, 8.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. The senior guard was named the Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player after guiding the Boilers to a tournament title, the program's second in four seasons.

Smith ends his Purdue career as the program's all-time assist leader (1,103), eighth in scoring (1,932) and third in steals (249). He is also a finalist for the Wooden Award, presented to the best player in college basketball.

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