Purdue Football Lands 2026 Commitment From Talented Defensive Back From Ohio

Purdue added to its 2026 recruiting class over the weekend, landing a verbal commitment from talented defensive back Emoni Smith out of Galloway, Ohio.

Westland's Emoni Smith (1) celebrates | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Purdue continues to add to its 2026 recruiting class, landing a verbal commitment from three-star defensive back Emoni Smith over the weekend. He becmae the 10th player of the cycle to commit to coach Barry Odom and the Boilermakers.

Smith, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound safety out of Galloway, Ohio, announced his commitment on Sunday afternoon. He shared a post on social media to make his decision official.

"All praise to the man above!!" Smith wrote on X. "100% committed, recruitment closed. Let's work."

All Praise To The Man Above!! 100% Committed, Recruitment Closed Let’s Work🚂🚂 @Coach_Odom @CoachClark3 @Mike_Scherer38 @CoachAcy2 @__Perk3 @DJRSwework pic.twitter.com/nVl4sEwBPM

— Emoni Smith (@5emonismith) June 8, 2025

Smith's commitment to Purdue came after an official visit to West Lafayette that started on June 6. He held multiple offers from Power Four schools, including Arizona State, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State and West Virginia.

Smith is coming off an outstanding season at Westland High School in 2024. He totaled 91 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two interceptions while playing safety. He also caught six touchdown passes at wide receiver.

Because of his prolific season, Smith was named the Ohio Capital Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. He ranks as the No. 880 overall prospect and is considered the No. 73 player in the class, per 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Smith was previously committed to play at Louisville for former Purdue coach Jeff Brohm. In April, however, the safety decided to reopen his recruitment. Just two months later, he has decided to continue his football career in West Lafayette.

With Smith's pledge on Sunday, Purdue's 2026 recruiting class now ranks 40th nationally and 13th in the Big Ten.

Related stories on Purdue football

ODOM TALKS PURDUE'S HIGH TRANSFER TOTAL: Since taking over at Purdue, Barry Odom has brought in 55 players via the transfer portal. What's his recruiting philosophy? How will the Boilers mesh for the 2025 season? CLICK HERE

PURDUE'S FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO FOOTBALL: Purdue coach Barry Odom said he's been "ecstatic" about the school's commitment to rebuilding the football program and turning it into a Big Ten contender. CLICK HERE

BROWNE MAKES SIZABLE DONATION: Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne is putting some of his NIL money to good use, making a $10,000 donation to Venice (Florida) High School's football program. CLICK HERE