Purdue’s Offense Hits Rock Bottom in 2025: What Went Wrong, and What Comes Next
Purdue’s 2025 season came to a merciful end with a 56-3 loss to rival Indiana - a result that didn’t just sting, it summed up a season that spiraled out of control. The Boilermakers finish 2-10 overall, winless in the Big Ten at 0-9, and dropped their final 10 games in a row. For a program trying to find its footing under first-year head coach Barry Odom, this was a tough pill to swallow.
Let’s break down where Purdue’s offense landed statistically - and it’s not pretty. These numbers tell the story of a unit that never found rhythm, struggled to move the ball, and couldn’t finish drives. National rankings are listed first, followed by their standing within the Big Ten:
- Scoring Offense: 18.8 points per game (T-122nd nationally, 16th in Big Ten)
- Rushing Offense: 125.6 yards per game (T-104th, 14th)
- Passing Offense: 217.2 yards per game (82nd, 11th)
- Total Offense: 342.8 yards per game (102nd, 14th)
- Third Down Conversions: 38.4% (86th, 14th)
- Passing Yards per Attempt: 6.4 (T-107th, 12th)
- First Downs: 19.3 per game (T-90th, 12th)
- Yards per Play: 5.27 (101st, 14th)
- Plays of 10+ Yards: 154 (T-80th, 11th)
- Plays of 20+ Yards: 43 (T-108th, 13th)
When your offense ranks dead last in the Big Ten in scoring, total offense, and third down conversions, it’s not just a slump - it’s a system-wide breakdown. So where does Purdue go from here? Let’s take a position-by-position look at what needs to change heading into 2026.
Quarterback: Searching for Stability
Purdue heads into the offseason with more questions than answers at the most important position on the field. Ryan Browne and Malachi Singleton both saw time under center, but neither fully seized the reins.
Browne flashed some arm talent early in the year, but as the schedule toughened, so did his decision-making. Ten interceptions - many in critical spots - made it hard to trust him in crunch time.
Singleton brought a different element with his legs - tough, physical, and fearless - but his passing game never quite opened up. Whether that was a product of scheme, reps, or something else, it’s clear Purdue needs more consistency and explosiveness from the quarterback position.
Do Browne or Singleton take a leap this offseason? That’s one storyline to watch. But don’t be surprised if Purdue dips into the transfer portal in search of a proven veteran who can steady the ship.
Running Back: A Room in Transition
Devin Mockobee and Malachi Thomas are moving on, leaving a big void in the backfield. Antonio Harris showed some promise - 274 yards and two touchdowns - but that’s about it in terms of returning production. Purdue needs a spark here, and it likely needs to come from the portal.
A top-tier back who can handle a heavy workload and create yards after contact would be a game-changer. This offense needs a tone-setter in the run game, someone who can take pressure off the quarterback and open up the playbook.
Wide Receiver: Rebuilding the Room
Drops. Lack of separation.
Inconsistent route running. Purdue’s receiving corps struggled across the board in 2025.
The good news? Freshman Nitro Tuggle looks like a keeper.
He’s got the size, speed, and flashes of playmaking ability that you can build around.
But one emerging talent isn’t enough. Purdue needs more guys like Tuggle - long, athletic receivers who can win one-on-one matchups and make plays downfield. Expect multiple additions via the transfer portal, and they’ll need to be plug-and-play ready.
Tight End: A Missing Piece
The tight end room was largely a non-factor in the passing game this season. George Burhenn has potential, but availability was an issue. And while it’s nice to have guys who can block and support the run game, Purdue needs more dynamic threats at this spot - players who can stretch the seams and give the quarterback a reliable safety valve.
This is another area where the portal could provide a quick fix. Proven production is key.
Offensive Line: Time for a Rebuild Up Front
The offensive line had its fair share of struggles in 2025, and it starts with the tackle spots - both of which need upgrades. The good news?
There’s a solid core to build around. Joey Tanona, Bradyn Joiner, and Hank Purvis are expected back, and that’s a group with some upside.
Tanona played left tackle this season, but his future may be on the interior. If Purdue can solidify the edges and add some depth, there’s a chance for real improvement up front. But make no mistake - this unit has to be better in both pass protection and run blocking if the offense is going to take a step forward.
Final Thoughts: A Long Offseason Ahead
Purdue’s offense in 2025 wasn’t just underwhelming - it was one of the least productive units in the country. The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a picture of a team that couldn’t sustain drives, couldn’t finish in the red zone, and struggled to generate explosive plays.
But the offseason is a chance for reinvention. With the transfer portal wide open and a full recruiting cycle ahead, there’s an opportunity to reshape this offense - and it starts with finding answers at quarterback, running back, and along the offensive line.
Barry Odom’s first season didn’t go as planned. Now comes the hard part: rebuilding an offense that can compete in the Big Ten.