2026 Purdue Football Transfer Portal Tracker

Who is staying and who is going? Those are the two biggest questions for Purdue football after the conclusion of the 2025 season, as focus will soon turn to the NCAA transfer portal. After a 2-10 campaign, which included an 0-9 conference record, there could be some significant changes on the roster.

The NCAA transfer portal window for college football student-athletes will open on Jan. 2, 2026 and close on Jan. 16. Players can still commit to other programs after the Jan. 16 date, but that is the final day to enter their names into the portal.

Because the portal window hasn't officially opened, this isn't a list of players who have entered the transfer portal. Right now, it's a list of players who are "expected" to enter the portal, either making an announcement on social media or other media outlets reporting on an expected departure.

We will continue to update the outgoing and incoming lists throughout the winter and spring.

Last updated on Monday, Jan. 19, 2025.

Incoming players

Texas Longhorns running back Jerrick Gibson (9) reacts | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Elo Modozie, EDGE (Georgia) — Modozie spent last season at Georgia, playing in 13 games and making seven tackles. But he made a much bigger impact in two years at Army, especially as a sophomore in 2024. That year, he was responsible for 34 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two blocked kicks. He could compete for an immediate spot as Purdue's edge rusher in 2026.

Justin Denson Jr., S (Michigan State) — Denson spent two years at Michigan State before entering the transfer portal. He only appeared in three games for the Spartans in 2025 to preserve his redshirt year. As a freshman in 2024, the defensive back accounted for 13 tackles while playing in eight games.

John Slaughter, S (Colorado) — A former Tennessee and Colorado defensive back, Slaughter played in 11 games and made three starts for the Buffaloes last season. He made quite an impact in 2025, totaling 24 tackles, hauling in two interceptions, and forcing a fumble. In two seasons at Tennessee, he had four stops and one interception.

Hudson Miller, LB (Toledo) — Miller is a former Boilermaker who is deciding to return to West Lafayette after one season at Toledo. In the 2024 campaign at Purdue, he was responsible for 42 tackles and two passes defended with the Boilers.

Jatavius Shivers, OT (South Carolina) — Shivers is a 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive lineman who played in a reserve role over the last two seasons at South Carolina. He has played in 15 career contests at the college level and brings a big frame to West Lafayette.

Keyshawn Burgos, DE (Virginia Tech) — Burgos is a veteran defensive end, spending four seasons at Virginia Tech and playing in 41 career games with 10 starts. He only appeared in four contests last year for the Hokies, retaining his redshirt status. Burgos has accounted for 58 tackles, including seven for loss, across his career.

Bisi Owens, WR (Penn) — Owens played in 30 games at Penn and proved to be incredibly productive. He hauled in 138 catches for 1,664 yards and 11 touchdowns across three seasons with the Quakers. This past season, he totaled 66 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns.

Ricky Sampson Jr., WR (Victory Valley) — A junior college production, Sampson had a big year at Victory Valley in 2025. He ended the season with 49 catches for 606 yards and three touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, he provides Purue with a big target out of the receiver room.

Dee Newsome, CB (Samford) — A junior defensive back, Newsome has been playing at the FCS level, spending two years at Jackson State before transferring to Samford. During the 2025 season, he totaled five tackles and four passes defended.

Kylan Fox, TE (UCF) — Fox commits to Purdue after spending the last two years at UCF. The tight end had 137 yards and a touchdown on 16 receptions for the Knights in 2025. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Fox brings good size and athleticism to the tight end room.

Xavier Townsend, WR (Iowa State) — Townsend is a veteran wide receiver who spent three years at UCF before transferring to Iowa State last season. In his lone year with the Cyclones, he totaled 18 catches for 243 yards. In three years at UCF, Townsend totaled 56 receptions for 521 yards and four touchdowns.

Don Saunders, CB (Utah) — Saunders comes to Purdue after spending last season at Utah. He played in eight games and had seven tackles and two passes defended for the Utes. Before that, Saunders had stops at Texas A&M and Cal Poly. He has played in 28 career games.

Fame Ijeboi, RB (Minnesota) — Ijeboi was Minnesota's second-leading rusher behind Darius Taylor during the 2025 campaign. As a redshirt freshman, he racked up 441 yards and two touchdowns on 97 carries. Ijeboi had 54 yards on 12 receptions and had one touchdown catch for the Golden Gophers.

Dylan Drennan, P (Buffalo) — Drennan was a second-team All-MAC selection as a redshirt freshman in 2025. He averaged 44.75 yards per punt on 65 attempts, and landed 25 inside the 20-yard line. Drennan also had 16 punts that exceeded 50 yards for the year.

Nuku Mafi, OL (Oklahoma State) — Mafi comes to Purdue after starting in 12 games at Oklahoma State in 2025 as a redshirt freshman. Although the Cowboys struggled last season, he provides the Boilermakers with talent and starting experience in the trenches.

Rodney Lora, DL (UCF) — A 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive lineman, Lora played in all 12 games at UCF last season. He rotated in along the front and was responsible for 22 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery. He previously spent two seasons at North Carolina, playing in six total games.

Boaz Stanley, OL (South Carolina) — Stanley was a staple along South Carolina's offensive line in 2025, playing in all 12 games while making nine starts. At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, he provides great size on the interior of the offensive line. In 2024, Stanley was a 12-game starter at Troy.

Mister Clark, S (Florida International) — A first-team All-Conference-USA selection in 2025, Clark was responsible for 63 tackles, 16 passes defended, three interceptions and 6.5 tackles for loss at FIU. He made a big jump after playing in just six games in his first two seasons. Clark adds some much-needed depth and talent to the secondary in West Lafayette.

Jojo Hayden, LB (Illinois) — Hayden played in 21 games across two seasons for Illinois. He was an impact player in Champaign, piling up 26 tackles with one quarterback hurry and one fumble recovery. He's a former three-star recruit who could make an immediate impact for Purdue at the linebacker position.

Curt Neal, DL (Illinois) — Neal is a seasoned Big Ten defensive lineman, playing at both Wisconsin and Illinois. Last season, he played in 13 games with 16 tackles for the Fighting Illini. Before that, he appeared in 29 games with the Badgers and totaled 45 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss.

Anthony Speca, LB (Penn State) — Speca is transferring to Purdue after spending two seasons at Penn State. While with the Nittany Lions, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker appeared in 17 games and accounted for 14 total tackles, including five solo stops.

Travis Terrell, RB (Jackson State) — Terrell is an All-SWAC running back who provided a great punch out of the backfield. He's a versatile player, and has returned both punts and kickoffs, as well. In two years at Jackson State, Terrell accounted for 1,066 rushing yards, 862 kickoff return yards, 306 punt return yards, and 134 receiving yards. He has also scored 11 total touchdowns.

Asaad Waseem, WR (Florida Atlantic) — Waseem is coming off a huge year at FAU, totaling 669 yards and five touchdowns on 66 receptions for the Owls during the 2025 campaign. He can come in and immediately compete for a starting job with the Boilermakers. He will be a redshirt junior, spending two years at Colorado before transferring to FAU.

Makai Saina, OL (USC) — Saina spent two years at USC but did not play in any games. He is familiar with Purdue offensive coordinator Josh Henson and new offensive line coach Zach Crabtree. He's listed at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds.

Jaden Mangham, DB (Michigan) — A former All-Big Ten honorable mention at Michigan State, Mangham spent the last two seasons at Michigan. During the 2025 season, he accounted for 30 tackles and a pair of pass break-ups. His best season actually came when he was in East Lansing, tallying 53 tackles, seven passes defended, and four interceptions. He has one year of eligibility left.

Micah Banuelos, OL (USC) — Banuelos is a 6-foot-2, 310-pound offensive lineman who adds much-needed size to Purdue's front line. He spent three years at USC and played in 11 games. This past season, he took the field in seven games and earned five starts, playing both right and left guard. Banuelos is a former four-star prospect and committed to USC when current Purdue offensive coordinator Josh Henson was still on staff.

Wisdom Simms, DL (NC Central) — Simms comes to Purdue after a big year at the FCS level in 2025. At North Carolina Central, he totaled 22 tackles, including six for loss, and three sacks from the defensive tackle position. Simms began his college football career at Western Carolina and has one year of eligibility.

Jerrick Gibson, RB (Texas) — Gibson comes to Purdue after spending his first two years at Texas. He only appeared in four games for the Longhorns in 2025 and has three years of eligibility remaining. As a freshman at Texas, Gibson rushed for 377 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games. Gibson is a former four-star recruit and a top-100 talent.

Outgoing players

Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Arhmad Branch (6) catches a pass | Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Spencer Porath, K — Porath went 15-of-17 on field goal attempts for the Boilermakers last season, including two makes from 50 yards or longer. He is perfect on his PAT tries across two seasons and proved to be a true weapon in the kicking game for Purdue. Committed to Notre Dame.

Sanders Ellis, LB — Ellis spent just one season at Purdue after transferring in from Tennessee State. He appeared in 11 games for the Boilermakers and was responsible for six total tackles and half of a sack. Committed to Bowling Green.

Smiley Bradford, DB — Bradford spent two years at Purdue and appeared in all 12 games during the 2025 campaign. He ended the year with 30 tackles, six pass break-ups, and five tackles for loss. Bradford also recorded the lone interception of his career last season. In two years, he's played in 17 games with five starts. UPDATE: Bradford announced he plans to return to Purdue in 2026.

Rico Walker, TE — Walker played in 10 games at tight end for Purdue, making one start. He transferred in from Auburn but didn't make a huge impact in the passing attack for the Boilermakers. He ended the 2025 campaign with nine catches for 100 yards.

Bradyn Joiner, C — Joiner spent just one season at Purdue and earned the job as the starting center for the Boilermakers. He started in all 12 games in his lone season in West Lafayette. He transferred in from Auburn and still has two years of eligibility remaining. Committed to Florida State.

Winston Berglund, LB — Berglund returned to Purdue after suffering a season-ending injury in 2024. He appeared in 11 games for the Boilermakers as a redshirt sophomore and was responsible for six tackles, including three solo stops. In two seasons, he totaled 15 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. UPDATE: Winston Berglund announced on social media that he will be returning to Purdue for the 2026 season.

Chalil Cummings, CB — A transfer from Memphis, Cummings appeared in nine games for Purdue during his lone season with the program. He was responsible for three tackles and two pass break-ups for the Boilermakers. He has three years of eligibility left.

Nitro Tuggle, WR — Tuggle was Purdue's second-best receiver last season, totaling 500 yards on 34 receptions. The sophomore also led the team with four touchdown catches. One of his best performances came against USC, finishing that game with four catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. Committed to South Carolina.

Alex Sanford Jr., LB — Sanford started in nine games for Purdue last season and played in all 12 games. He accounted for 46 tackles, which included 3.5 tackles for loss. He was a solid tackler for the Boilers and his departure is a big blow for the defense.

Marcus Moore Jr., DL — The Akron transfer appeared in just three games for the Boilermakers last season, totaling two tackles. Before transferring to Purdue, Moore played two years at Akron, making 28 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in 19 games with the Zips. Committed to Miami (Ohio).

Demeco Kennedy, DL — In two years at Purdue, Kennedy appeared in 21 career games along the defensive line. During the 2025 campaign, he started in four contests and was responsible for 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He has tallied 27 total stops across his two seasons with the Boilermakers. Committed to Louisville.

Jaron Thomas, RB — Thomas was a three-star member of Purdue's 2025 recruiting class. He only played in one game, making his lone appearance in the season finale against Indiana. Thomas had two carries for 15 yards in the game. Committed to Minnesota.

Carson Dean, LB — After transferring in from Arkansas, Dean appeared in three games for the Boilermakers. He did not record any statistics during his lone season in West Lafayette. He still has two years of eligibility remaining.

Justin Schmidt, LS — Schmidt was listed as a 4.5-star long snapper via Kohl's Kicking Camp as a member of the 2025 recruiting class. He spent just one season at Purdue and did not appear in any games for the Boilermakers. Committed to Pitt.

Hank Purvis, OL — A 6-foot-5, 360-pound sophomore, Purvis followed coach Barry Odom from UNLV to Purdue. He played in 11 games for the Boilermakers, which included starts in each of the last seven games. He leaves a big void along Purdue's front line with his departure. Committed to South Carolina.

Arhmad Branch, WR — Branch is a former four-star wide receiver who flashed major potential early in the season. He had 101 yards and a touchdown on three catches in Purdue's season opener against Ball State and had at least 31 receiving yards in each of the first three games. His playing time and production slipped as the season continued, ending the year with 212 yards and two touchdowns on 14 catches. Committed to USF.

Jamarrion Harkless, DL — Harkless played in 22 games over the past two seasons at Purdue. He started in all 12 games for the Boilermakers in 2025, totaling 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks. At 6-foot-3 and 345 pounds, Harkless provided Purdue with great size and skill along the defensive line. Committed to Kentucky.

Jimmy Johnsen, OL — Johnsen was at Purdue for just one season and did not see any playing time as a true freshman. The Crown Point native was not ranked as a member of the 2025 recruiting class.

Malachi Singleton, QB — In his lone season at Purdue, Singleton was a backup quarterback but was still used in specific offensive packages throughout the year. He completed 38-of-64 passes for 439 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Singleton also had 202 rushing yards and scored one time on the ground. Committed to Appalachian State.

D'Mon Marable, S — Marable spent two years at West Lafayette, primarily seeing playing time on special teams. He played in 22 career games with the Boilermakers and accounted for two tackles during the 2025 campaign. UPDATE: Marable has announced that he will return to Purdue for the 2026 season.

Tyrell Green, OL — Green transferred to Purdue from Eastern Kentucky but wasn't on the roster for very long. It was reported by GoldandBlack.com in September that he was no longer with the team. Green was an FCS All-American while at Eastern Kentucky.

Sterling Smith, S — Smith came to Purdue before the 2024 season after spending one year at Holy Cross. He did not play in his first season in West Lafayette but saw action in all 12 games for the Boilermakers during the 2025 campaign. He concluded the year with three total tackles. At Holy Cross in 2023, he racked up 35 tackles and two passes defended.

Jaheim Merriweather, RB — Merriweather spent two years at Purdue but wasn't able to get into the regular rotation in the backfield. In 2024, he totaled 77 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries and also caught three passes for 21 yards. During the 2025 season, Merriweather had just four yards on two rushes.

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Incoming players

Outgoing players

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