Hammer and Rails

2 days ago | hammerandrails.com | Kyle Thele |Andrew Ledman

Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Purdue Boilermakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. It’s that time of the week folks when I go in and check the pulse of the fanbase. This week, we are talking about football and more football.

1 week ago | hammerandrails.com | Drew Schneider

Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images I’ll say one nice thing about the former coaching staff: they didn’t leave the cupboard empty at defensive end. When you combine the players that stayed with the arriving players, I think you can put together a respectable position group, if not...Dare I say...a good position group (I dare not, but someone else may be bolder)? That’s good news for Coach Odom. While linebacker is the premier position in his defensive scheme, defensive end is a close second.

1 week ago | hammerandrails.com | Kyle Thele

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Purdue Boilermakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Purdue will have three sophomores on next year’s team. I want to know which of the three rising sophomores CJ Cox, Daniel Jacobsen, or Gicarri Harris will make the big jump from their freshman year.

2 weeks ago | hammerandrails.com | Drew Schneider

Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images As with every position group on the 2025 squad, the transfer portal has played a significant role in shaping the tight end position at Purdue. Last season, the Boilermakers leaned on Max Klare in the passing game, and he played well enough to get the call-up to the big leagues in Columbus. This season, I would be shocked if a tight end led Purdue in receiving. I expect the position to be more blocking-oriented in the new offense.

2 weeks ago | hammerandrails.com | Drew Schneider

Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images It was a quiet four days for former Purdue athletes hoping to hear their name called in the NFL draft. This was expected, with Marcus Mbow being the only Purdue player from the 2024-25 season with a solid draft grade. Again, not surprising considering the overall lack of talent on display in West Lafayette last season. Losing all but one Big 10 game is hard work, and that work starts with a lack of draftable talent.