What We Learned Through Purdue's First Week of Fall Camp
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The first full week of fall camp is in the books in West Lafayette. Purdue, which started camp last Thursday, has now completed five practices and is inching closer to the season-opening kickoff against Indiana State on sept. 4.
It's still early in fall camp, but we've learned a lot through Purdue's first five practices. Here are some of the key takeaways since the Boilermakers arrived to start camp.
Multiple spots are up for grabs on the offensive line
Entering fall camp, I actually thought Purdue was more solidified with its starters on the line than offensive coordinator Josh Henson indicated. He said that three of those positions are still being determined, with several guys trying to earn a spot on the first unit.
Although Henson didn't specify which jobs are virtually secured, it's likely that the two who have already solified their roles are left tackle Joey Tanona and center Boaz Stanley. Tanona was a permanent starter for the Boilermakers last season and Stanley has started in 21 of his last 24 games at South Carolina and Troy.
Purdue has much better experience and depth up front than it had last season. Is it a good sign that so many players are still in the mix to win a starting job? Is it a concern that only two have separated themselves? This is the most important position group for the Boilermakers this fall, so the battles for the three openings in the trenches all carry plenty of intrigue.
Versatility in the secondary
Defensive backs coach Charles Clark spoke highly about the group he has this year. On Tuesday, he told reporters that he has six or seven different players who can fill in at multiple positions, providing Purdue the opportunity to rotate often and put guys in at different spots.
What makes the secondary better than last year? Purdue returned some quality players in Hudauri Hines and Smiley Bradford, but really hit the portal hard. The Boilermakers picked up Jaden Mangham (Michigan), Mister Clark (FIU), John Slaughter (Colorado), Don Saunders (Utah) and Justin Denson Jr. (Michigan State), among others. The length and playmaking ability are leaps and bounds ahead of where it was last fall.
The one remaining question is how Purdue's speed compares to other Big Ten teams. That was another issue that bothered the Boilers in 2025.
Major questions at quarterback behind Ryan Browne
Ryan Browne will be Purdue's starter for the second straight season. He provides the offense with stability and head coach Barry Odom has spoken confidently about the junior's ability to lead the team.
Behind him, though? That's still a work in progress. When asked about the backup situation, Odom simply said, "I don't know ... we have a lot of work to do."
There are four quarterbacks on the roster battling for that backup spot: Bennett Meredith, Evans Chuba, Garyt Odom and Corin Berry. Perhaps this is a situation that clears up after the Boilermakers' scrimmage this weekend, but for now, Purdue doesn't have an answer for the second spot on the depth chart.
The tight end room is thin
Odom revealed that UCF transfer Kylan Fox suffered a knee injury that will likely sideline him for the entire 2026 season. That's a significant blow to Purdue's tight end room, placing even a larger responsibility on George Burhenn, who has dealt with multiple injuries over the past two seasons.
Fox was expected to be an immediate contributor at tight end behind Burhenn. Now, the Boilermakers are going to have to turn to someone else in that room to provide productive snaps. There isn't much experience left in that room.
Luca Puccinelli is the only other tight end with game experience, appearing in three games in 2025. Purdue also has returners Jon Grimmett, Luke Shorter and Jackson Berryman and freshmen Ar'Mari Towns and Cooper McCutchan.
Someone else in that room is going to have to break out in fall camp and give Purdue another option at tight end to help Burhenn with the workload.
An "attacking" and aggressive defensive philosophy
Multiple coaches and players have talked openly about playing a more aggressive style of defense. The Boilers want to put more pressure on the quarterback, force more turnovers and create more opportunities for the offense.
Purdue has some skilled edge rushers in CJ Madden, Elo Modozie, Keyshawn Burgos, Breeon Ishmail, Trey Smith and Jeremy Lewis. We've already discussed the improved experience and length in the secondary. That combination should allow the Boilers to make more plays, especially when defending the pass.
The Boilermakers are probably going to give up some home runs throughout the year, but they're also more likely to force more turnovers and put opponents in longer passing situations.
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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.
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