Purdue Announces Honorary Captain For Season Opener vs. Ball State
In this story:
Ryan Kerrigan, a former Purdue defensive end and All-American, is returning to West Lafayette this weekend. He will serve as the team's honorary captain for Saturday's season opener against Ball State (noon ET, Big Ten Network) at Ross-Ade Stadium.
Purdue made the announcement with a social media post this week. Kerrigan returns to Ross-Ade Stadium for Barry Odom's debut as the head coach of the Boilermakers.
Proud to welcome back a Purdue Hall of Famer for Saturday's opener 🙌 pic.twitter.com/7DBMgmIhax
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) August 28, 2025
Kerrigan played at Purdue from 2007-10, and was a two-time All-Big Ten first-team selection. He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and was an All-American as a senior in 2010. That year, the defensive end racked up 70 tackles, including 26 for loss, 12.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.
In four seasons with the Boilermakers, Kerrigan amassed 210 tackles, 58 tackles for loss, 33.5 sacks,14 forced fumbles and an interception.
Following his time at Purdue, Kerrigan was selected by the (then) Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection during his career.
Related stories on Purdue football
BREES ADMIRES MOCKOBEE: It would have been easy to understand if Devin Mockobee left Purdue for another school. He remained in West Lafayette, and a Boilermaker icon admires his loyalty. CLICK HERE
HOW TO WATCH PURDUE-BALL STATE: Purdue and Ball State will meet at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday to open the 2025 season. Here's everything you need to know about the game. CLICK HERE
BREES SUPPORTING ODOM: Legendary Purdue quarterback Drew Brees has given his stamp of approval to coach Barry Odom, saying he's the right man for the job in West Lafayette. CLICK HERE
Dustin Schutte is the publisher of Purdue Boilermakers on SI and has spent more than a decade working in sports journalism. His career began in 2013, when he covered Big Ten football. He remained in that role for eight years before working at On SI to cover the Boilermakers. Dustin graduated from Manchester University in Indiana in 2010, where he played for the men's tennis team.
Follow SchutteDustin