Purdue is halfway through fall camp, and Barry Odom says the Boilermakers are getting real work done as Sept. 4 creeps closer.
After the team’s first scrimmage of August on Saturday, Odom said Monday that Purdue got through a productive session, one that covered a heavy load of snaps and gave a few players extra chances to show what they can do.
“Had a solid scrimmage on Saturday,” Odom said. “We got 175 plays total and got in a lot of good work.”
What caught his attention most was the play up front. That matters for Purdue, especially after the offensive and defensive lines both had their issues last fall.
“I thought the offensive line, overall, played well together. I thought we were able to formulate pressure defensively with some one-on-one matchups. And then I thought some of our newcomers, in our first live action validated some of the things we were hoping we were going to get.”
The biggest development out of the scrimmage was the absence of major injuries. That’s a win any time a team goes live in camp.
One player still sidelined is starting left tackle Joey Tanona, who has been dealing with an ankle sprain for several days. Tanona is Purdue’s most experienced offensive lineman and a key piece in the trenches, but Odom offered a positive timeline for his return.
“Full recovery. Expected to be back by the work week of Week 1,” Odom said.
While Tanona is out, Oklahoma State transfer Nuku Mafi has been taking snaps at left tackle. Mafi started 11 games there for the Cowboys in 2025.
The defensive end room is shaping up to be one of the deeper spots on the roster. Odom said Purdue could rotate as many as six to eight ends if the season started today, though four have already begun to separate from the pack.
“I think, if we played tomorrow, we'd probably rotate anywhere from six to eight defensive ends,” Odom said. “I certainly think we've got four who have moved up and separated themselves a little bit.”
Those players are Jeremy Lewis, CJ Madden, Trey Smith, Keyshawn Burgos, Elo Modozie and Breeon Ishmail. The competition is still alive, but Odom likes the pressure that group can create.
“I do think we've got some guys there that are going to have a chance to at least make the quarterback uncomfortable. It may not be sacks, it may not be hits, but he's going to have to move his feet,” Odom said. “We have to keep developing that.”
The kicking job is also unresolved, with Seth Turner and Jacobo Echeverria Lozano still battling for the role. Odom said Purdue wants to see both kickers in more stressful situations before making a call.
“I think we've got two guys who are talented,” Odom said. “We need to put them in some pressure situations and see who really rises to the top.”
Turner is the only one of the two with any college experience. He handled kickoff duties for Purdue last season but has never attempted a field goal in a game. Lozano is a true freshman who has yet to appear in a college contest.
In the backfield, much of the attention has gone to transfers Fame Ijeboi and Jerrick Gibson, but Travis Terrell Jr. is making his own case for a role. The former Jackson State standout brings speed, return ability and a growing all-around game.
“Just looking at ways to get guys the ball,” Odom said. “You look at the running backs right now, and we're asking a lot out of all of them. ... He's becoming an every-down back, which is really important for us.”
Terrell finished last season with 608 yards and five touchdowns on 102 carries at Jackson State, along with 343 kickoff return yards. Purdue likes the burst he brings, and Odom says his camp has shown steady growth.
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