Purdue football begins spring camp, what to watch for
WEST LAFAYETTE — The first of 15 Purdue football spring practices begins Tuesday morning.
The Boilermakers already have set 2026 expectations, hanging a banner inside their indoor practice facility next to a row recognizing Purdue's bowl history. The banner simply says, "On a mission."
After a 2-10 season , Purdue's coaching staff set out to significantly upgrade the roster's talent .
With 53 newcomers, head coach Barry Odom and company believe they've done so.
The spring season will provide the first opportunity for coaches to see the new and returning talent live and evaluate exactly what the Boilermakers are working with. Here are five things we're hoping the spring practices can showcase.
Purdue football QBs, Ryan Browne's progress
Purdue signed one quarterback, incoming freshman Corin Berry. The Boilermakers chose not to chase another in the transfer portal and after the portal cycle ended, Odom professed his faith in returning starter Ryan Browne.
Browne threw for 2,153 yards, 9 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season while scoring another five touchdowns on his own. Statistically, it left something to be desired in Browne's first full season behind center. To be fair, there wasn't a lot to work with. Purdue made an effort to upgrade the offensive front and skill players around Browne. Now he's got to show why the Boilers put their faith in him.
George Burhenn's health
When healthy last spring and fall, tight end George Burhenn looked like one of the Boilermakers' biggest offensive threats.
Unfortunately, Burhenn's career to date has been hampered by injuries. After playing in just 19 games over three seasons, Burhenn has another chance to show his elite abilities. He averages 11.4 yards on 15 career receptions.
Purdue football's improvement in secondary
Big plays offset a lot of Purdue's in-game progress last season. The Boilermakers had just four interceptions last season, one of those by a defensive end. Opponents averaged 14.4 yards per completions last season against the Boilers, who graded out as the worst pass coverage team in the Big Ten, well behind the next lowest team (Rutgers), according to Pro Football Focus.
Purdue's secondary features 12 new faces, including eight transfers. Odom is high on the additions, who'll see to upgrade the weakest part of Purdue's defense.
More: Purdue football withheld millions to build its 2026 roster. Here's how
More: Barry Odom on new defensive coordinator, coaches for Purdue football
In the trenches
Last season, Purdue graded out 17th in the Big Ten in pass blocking, ahead of only Michigan State and 17th in run blocking, ahead of Maryland. You can point to the offensive flaws, but the problems started up front. Starting left tackle Joey Tanona along with part-time starter Ethan Trent are back, but the Boilermakers made a concerted effort to stock up on offensive linemen and hired Zach Crabtree to lead the group.
Backfield balance
The Purdue backfield will look much different this season, all the way down to the position coach. Lamar Conard was fired and Cornell Ford moved from coaching receivers to running backs. Antonio Harris is the only running back returning who had a carry last season.
But Odom's crew made sure there was plenty of experience to accompany Harris. Purdue nabbed Jerrick Gibson (Texas), Fame Ijeboi (Minnesota) and Travis Terrell Jr. (Jackson State) from the transfer portal. Will one of them emerge as the alpha back?
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: What to watch for during Purdue football spring camp
