Key Quotes From Barry Odom as Purdue Begins Final Week of Fall Camp

The Boilers are in the final week of fall camp. What stands out to Barry Odom with less than two weeks remaining until the first kickoff of 2026?

Purdue Boilermakers head coach Barry Odom. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Believe it or not, this is the final week of fall camp in West Lafayette. Purdue is less than two weeks away from its season opener against Indiana State on Sept. 4, and the Boilermakers will soon begin their game-week preparations for the Sycamores.

Following Purdue's practice on Monday, head coach Barry Odom spoke with reporters about the progress in fall camp, the team's second scrimmage over the weekend and more.

Though he played things close to the vest, there were still some tidbits from Odom worth mentioning.

Purdue Boilermakers head coach Barry Odom speaks with Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Playmakers emerged from second scrimmage

Purdue held its second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday evening, trying to figure out who's ready for the season opener on Sept. 4, and who still needs some work. One of the positives from the day was that Odom saw playmakers emerge on both sides of the ball.

"Who we think are going to be our playmakers on offense continue to make plays," Odom said. "And the same thing on defense. Those guys have risen to the top when the lights come on. That's fun to see."

When asked about the guys who specifically popped off the field as playmakers, Odom tried his hardest to list every player on the roster. Does that mean Purdue has several potential playmakers at each position? Or is it an indication that there isn't much separation in certain areas?

In less than two weeks, we'll see exactly who's standing out. Right now, Odom isn't singling anyone out specifically.

Boilers still relatively healthy at this stage of camp

One of the positives for the Boilermakers through August has been the team's health. It can be difficult to get through fall camp without many injuries, yet Purdue's injuries have been minimal.

Yes, the Boilers have dealt with some attrition. Tight end Kylan Fox and defensive back Raderrion Daniels are out for the season. Offensive tackle Joey Tanona has missed some time, as have linebacker Anthony Speca and defensive back Smiley Bradford. Purdue also saw offensive lineman Marc Nave Jr. and linebacker Owen Davis leave the program.

As of Monday, Odom said that Purdue has done live tackling three times in fall camp. So far, it hasn't resulted in any significant injuries.

"Looking at this year's fall camp, not one player has gotten hurt in a live tackling situation, which is good," Odom said.

To find success on the field this year, Purdue needs more depth than it had a season ago. The health of the team is in a great spot, at least through the first two weeks of camp.

Purdue "looks like a team"

Odom has often praised this team's unity and chemistry throughout fall camp. Having essentially the entire roster on campus since January seems to have helped Purdue tremendously heading into the 2026 season.

Odom said that this year's group looks like a true "team," something that the Boilers really didn't have last fall. The spring transfer portal window was a big hindrance to Purdue in 2025, but it didn't deal with that issue this year because of the single window.

"We look like a team," Odom said. "A complete team that's competitive. They enjoy playing together, they like each other. We understand that we'll go through adversity at some point, but I think they're going to look adversity in the eye and they're going to swing back. I'm excited about their competitive spirit."

Still no final decision at kicker

Finally, Purdue's kicking competition remains up for grabs between Seth Turner and Jacobo Echeverria Lozano. There's no real clarity on who will kick field goals for the Boilermakers this fall.

Odom said Purdue will make a decision when Indiana State comes to town, but that the kicker could change at some point in the season.

Neither Turner nor Lozano have any field goal kicking experience at the college level.

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