(Photo: Chad Ryan)
Purdue enters Saturday at 2–1 under first-year head coach Barry Odom, who came over after leading UNLV to a 10–3 season in 2025. The Boilermakers opened the year with a 31–0 shutout of Ball State, followed by a 34–17 win vs. Southern Illinois.
Last week, Purdue dropped their Big Ten opener to USC, 33–17, in a game they kept competitive for much of the contest despite turnovers and big plays by the Trojans. One of those turnovers was a 70-yard pick-six in the third quarter by USC defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett, which extended USC’s lead and shifted momentum. Purdue’s rushing attack was limited, managing only 53 yards on the ground. Nationally, their running attack ranks 108th, while the passing offense is much stronger, ranked 31st, showing the team leans heavily on the aerial game.
This team looks nothing like the one Notre Dame blew out 66–7 a year ago. Odom has reshaped the roster with 70 new faces — including 50 transfers — and brought a more disciplined, physical style of play. A former defensive coordinator, Odom’s specialty is defense, and he has emphasized building fundamentally sound, disciplined units throughout his coaching career.
Purdue is led by quarterback Ryan Browne, who has thrown for 786 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions through three games. He is backed by Devin Mockobee, who has 145 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, and wide receiver Arhmad Branch, who has 267 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Also keep an eye on Georgia transfer Nitro Tuggle (a top 125 recruit in 2024) and USC transfer Michael Jackson III. This receiving corp is not what Texas A&M brought to the field, but they are skilled and athletic. The Boilermakers rely heavily on their passing game given the struggles in the running attack, and much of their offensive success hinges on Browne’s decision-making and accuracy.
Purdue’s defense has improved under Odom compared to last season, showing better alignment and tackling. Linebacker Charles Correa leads the team with 20 tackles and Akron transfer defensive end CJ Nunnally is a threat coming off the edge, While this unit is more competitive, it remains vulnerable against big plays downfield.
While still in transition, Purdue has already proven more competitive than last season’s squad. They have not forced any turnovers in 2025 and Browne has thrown four interceptions. Look for the Irish to get a takeaway or two, take advantage of overall superior team speed and to put plenty of points on the board.
Notre Dame is a 26.5 point favorite and the over/under is 52.5
The Fighting Irish Preview pick: Notre Dame 38 Purdue 14