Purdue’s exhibition opener is almost here, and with the Boilermakers set to host Ball State on Oct. 18, the picture is starting to sharpen for what Matt Painter’s 2026-27 team could look like when the real games begin Nov. 2 against Gonzaga.
Painter has already made it clear that this roster may not settle into one fixed look right away. He said there has not been much separation at certain spots, which opens the door for some lineup movement early in the season. Still, based on offseason work, Canada, and what was noted at Big Ten Media Days, there’s a strong case for a first five that includes Oscar Cluff, Pierce, Gicarri Harris, Braden Smith, and the sophomore duo around them in Purdue’s rotation.
At center, Jacobsen is finally positioned to take over the job he has been waiting for. After winning the starting role as a true freshman, he was slowed by a leg injury and then spent last season behind Oscar Cluff.
Now the 7-foot-4 big man looks ready for a bigger stage. His game gives Purdue real variety: he can finish lobs, operate in the post, or step out and hit perimeter shots.
He’s also a strong rim protector, and the main area he has focused on is staying vertical, altering shots, and avoiding fouls.
Pierce looks like another piece Painter can trust immediately, even though this would be his first season in West Lafayette. He already has three full seasons of college basketball behind him, and that experience matters.
At 6-foot-7, he was Purdue’s best rebounder during the four-game trip in Canada, and Painter values exactly that kind of edge on the glass. He also brings defensive versatility and a calm presence that stands out both on the floor and in the locker room.
The most interesting call in the backcourt is the one between Harris and C.J. Cox.
Cox could absolutely open the year in the starting five. He’s the lone returning starter from last season and has two years of experience.
But Harris gets the nod here because of how well he meshed with Mayer and West in Canada. That group worked especially well on defense, and Harris showed real impact in off-ball situations while West handled the ball.
There’s also a burst to Harris’ game that fits this group cleanly.
West, though, feels like the safest bet on the roster. Coaches, teammates and observers have all praised what he has shown in practice and in Canada, and the expectations around him are as high as anyone’s. He can score with the ball in his hands and defend at a high level, which makes him the kind of player Purdue can build around right away, even without a live game against an opponent yet.
Mayer appears to have the inside track over true freshman Luke Ertel at point guard. The sophomore has spent the offseason working on his body, agility and conditioning, and he has taken on more of a vocal leadership role after Braden Smith’s departure.
Teammates also talked at Big Ten Media Days about his defensive growth. On top of that, he has focused on becoming more dangerous as a driver with the ball, which should give Purdue another layer in the half court.
One of the more flexible pieces on the roster is Shahrvin. Earlier in the offseason, the assumption was that he would mostly play the four, with the option to slide to the five in smaller lineups.
Painter, though, suggested at Big Ten Media Days that Shahrvin is mainly a five who could “grow into playing the four,” while also noting how hard it is for a new player to learn two positions at once. However Purdue uses him, he brings rebounding help, a physical post presence and athleticism that shows up on defense.
Benter is another name that could matter more than the casual observer expects. He has also improved during the offseason, can handle the ball as a point forward and has the kind of defensive versatility that allows him to guard multiple spots. Add in deep range and a willingness to do the small things, and it’s easy to see why he should have a key role, even if he does not produce a classic breakout season.
Cox remains in the mix, too, and that might be the toughest choice on the roster. He can be a starter or a valuable spark off the bench, especially as a scoring option next to Ertel with that catch-and-shoot approach.
The reality is that Purdue may not have to decide on just one answer for long. There’s a real chance both Cox and Harris start at different points during the season.
Ertel, meanwhile, has already shown why he is going to play plenty. The true freshman has looked comfortable when he’s been on the floor, attacking as a lead guard, pushing tempo and finding teammates for open looks.
The Indiana Mr. Basketball is still learning, especially when it comes to decision-making and consistently playing on two feet, but the skill set is there.
He should see major minutes, especially because he can work off the ball as well.
Webber brings a different kind of threat. Painter called him a “flamethrower” and one of the best shooters he has coached around, which is strong company when you think about names like Ryan Cline, Ryne Smith, Sasha Stefanovic and Fletcher Loyer. Purdue’s depth in the backcourt may keep his minutes in check, but he’s the kind of freshman who can swing a stretch of a game when the offense needs a jolt.
Burgess also has a path to meaningful time, and his role will be worth watching. He has grown into a vocal leader and can play both the four and five spots. At 6-foot-11, he can stretch the floor on offense, defend multiple frontcourt positions and bring energy off the bench, something he showed two years ago as a true freshman.
As for the rest of the roster, the Canada trip suggested limited minutes for the group behind those main rotation pieces. Freshmen Sinan Huan and Rivers Knight could still appear in certain situations because of the five-for-five rule, but they look to be a year away from real rotation minutes. Sam King, Jack Lusk and Jace Rayl are also expected to see limited time.
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