Purdue isn't wasting any time retooling its roster this offseason, and the transfer portal is playing a central role in that reload. The Boilermakers have now added two more pieces to the puzzle: former Colorado safety John Slaughter and South Carolina offensive lineman Jatavius Shivers.
Let’s start with Shivers, a versatile lineman who brings SEC experience to West Lafayette. Over three seasons with the Gamecocks, Shivers logged 81 snaps across 15 games, seeing action at both tackle spots.
He served as South Carolina’s second-team left tackle this past season, giving him valuable reps against high-level competition. With two years of eligibility remaining and a redshirt year already behind him, Shivers arrives as a developmental piece with upside-someone who can provide depth immediately and potentially grow into a larger role up front.
And Purdue isn’t stopping with just one addition in the trenches. The offensive line room has been a clear priority this offseason, with the Boilermakers also bringing in Boaz Stanley (South Carolina), Nuku Mafi (Oklahoma State), and a pair of USC transfers in Micah Banuelos and Makai Saina. That’s five new linemen through the portal alone-an aggressive move that suggests Purdue is looking to both solidify its protection and build a more physical identity in the trenches.
On the defensive side, John Slaughter is another intriguing addition. After transferring to Colorado, Slaughter saw his role grow as the season went on, appearing in 11 games and earning three starts at safety.
He finished the year with 25 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble-production that hints at playmaking potential. Originally beginning his college career at Tennessee, Slaughter brings Power Five experience and two years of eligibility to a Purdue secondary that’s clearly being reshaped.
In fact, Slaughter is the latest name in a growing list of defensive backs joining the Boilermakers via the portal. Purdue has already added safeties Jaden Mangham (Michigan), Justin Denson Jr.
(Michigan State), and Mister Clark (FIU), along with cornerbacks Don Saunders (Utah) and Dee Newsome (Samford). That’s a full-scale overhaul of the back end, and it speaks to a coaching staff that’s not just filling holes-they’re trying to raise the ceiling of the entire unit.
With these additions, Purdue is stacking depth and competition across key position groups. The transfer portal can be a gamble, but it also offers a fast track to improvement. And if these new faces can gel quickly, the Boilermakers could find themselves with a more battle-tested, athletic roster heading into next season.