Barry Odom isn’t pretending the money game in college football is anything but constant.
The Purdue head coach said this week that the Boilermakers have to keep looking for ways to build revenue for the football program and the athletic department, and he made clear that the work doesn’t stop just because one stream is in place.
Odom appeared on The Fan Morning Show in Indianapolis and was asked about Purdue’s operating budget, including whether the Boilermakers are among the Power Four teams under $20 million for the upcoming season, as referenced in a 247Sports article.
"I don't know the accuracy of that exact number that you're speaking of, but I'm thankful for the rev share amount and what Purdue has done," Odom said. "You've always got to find ways to increase that number."
That push matters for plenty of reasons. More money gives Purdue a better chance to attack the transfer portal, and it could also help the program keep some of its top players from moving on in future seasons.
A lot of that responsibility now sits with new athletic director Tommy McClelland, who has already talked about finding creative ways to bring in more revenue. Odom said he’s ready to help wherever he can.
"You look at how rosters are built, and then you look at how they're retained, and that's such a huge part for us," he said. "You're striving for more, and we've got to continue to find ways to generate that for Purdue, and certainly I'll do anything I can to help us out in that way."
McClelland already picked up his first notable win on the revenue front earlier this week, when Purdue announced a partnership with Progressive. The school said it is one of 13 schools to strike an agreement with the insurance company, through Learfield, though it did not release the full terms.
For the 2026 season, the Progressive logo will be on Rohrman Field at Ross-Ade Stadium, and it will also show up on other stadium signage and on the video screen.
Purdue has not landed a jersey-patch deal, another avenue some schools have used to bring in extra money.
The Boilermakers are scheduled to open the 2026 season on Friday, Sept. 4, when they host Indiana State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.
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