Purdue Unveils New 2024 Uniforms in EA College Football 25-Inspired Video
Jul 11, 2024
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 25: A Purdue Boilermakers helmet is seen on the sidelines in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2023 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Purdue became the newest school to get a jersey refresh courtesy of Nike.
The Boilermakers unveiled the threads Thursday with a nod to the upcoming release of EA Sports College Football 25. The set includes a black home jersey with gold and white striping on the sleeve and pants, while the white road jersey has black and gold striping.
You wouldn't be wrong for thinking you've seen this design elsewhere. Iowa State, Baylor and Minnesota got new uniforms this offseason from Nike, and they're all similar to what Purdue will be wearing.
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) June 7, 2024
Were it not for that fact, the Boilermakers' jerseys might be received a little differently.
The striping hearkens back to the height of the Joe Tiller era with Drew Brees at quarterback. The school donned a throwback from that time last season, satisfying the sense of nostalgia from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Fans probably still have some questions following Thursday's reveal since only two uniform sets were publicized. The inclusion of a gold jersey top is plausible given how that color has been utilized in the past. The same goes for black pants that would complete a monochrome home look on select dates.
Purdue is entering its second year with head coach Ryan Walters at the helm. The Boilermakers went 4-8 in 2023, and it could be similarly tough sledding for Walters and his staff.
The Big Ten is even stronger as a conference with Oregon, USC Washington and UCLA entering the fold. Purdue was also left to replace leading receiver Deion Burks, sack leader Nic Scourton and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. among others.
The team opens with Indiana State on Aug. 31 before hosting Notre Dame on Sept. 14, a game that will serve as a barometer for whether this will be another season to forget in West Lafayette.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Purdue RB
Mar 25, 2024
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 25: Tyrone Tracy Jr. #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts after a first down in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2023 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 5'11"
WEIGHT: 209
HAND: 9⅛"
ARM: 31¾"
WINGSPAN: 76⅝"
40-YARD DASH: 4.48
3-CONE: 6.81
SHUTTLE: 4.06
VERTICAL: 40"
BROAD: 10'4"
POSITIVES
— Shows good burst when attacking on downhill runs, such as power.
— Above-average balance. Does well to keep his legs churning through contact and lean forward.
— Good hip flexibility and overall body control. Can make sharp turns and redirect smoothly.
— Starting kick returner in 2023, returned one for a 98-yard touchdown.
NEGATIVES
— Below-average vision between the tackles. Lack of experience at RB shows itself in his indecisiveness.
— Serious tendency to bounce outside at the first sign of trouble. Can make plays worse.
— Below-average stop/start explosiveness. Takes a few steps to kick back into high gear.
— 3-star recruit in Iowa's 2018 class, per 247Sports
— Transferred from Iowa to Purdue in 2022
— Primarily a wide receiver for four years at Iowa before moving to RB at Purdue
— 26 career starts
OVERALL
Tyrone Tracy is a 24-year-old WR convert whose athletic profile still makes him an interesting RB prospect.
Tracy checks a lot of boxes athletically. When attacking straight downhill, especially on gap runs like power, he shows impressive north-south burst. He can rip through the line of scrimmage, bringing enough force and strength to keep everything moving if there's a pileup.
Tracy's burst and speed show up best on the edge. He can ruin tackling angles on the perimeter before gradually accelerating to a solid top speed. Tracy's inconsistent vision and non-commanding rushing style stripped him of opportunities to hit breakaway runs, but he has the speed for it.
However, Tracy's burst disappears when changing directions. He's a smooth, flexible player who can make sharp turns, especially behind the line of scrimmage, but he does not explode out of those turns. Tracy's lateral explosion and ability to make defenders miss in space is lacking as well.
In turn, Tracy has to deal with contact a lot, which he fares well with. Tracy isn't a bruiser, but he brings enough strength and balance to put up a fight and squeeze out some extra yards.
Tracy's biggest issue are decision-making and experience. A WR convert, Tracy has a tendency to bounce plays outside at the first sign of trouble. That sometimes works, but it's a volatile play style. Even when Tracy does keep it between the tackles, he struggles on zone concepts where the onus is on him to keep his options open and choose the right rushing lane. Tracy loses some of his downhill burst and balance in those instances.
Tracy is a bet on athleticism and versatility. He brings enough burst, balance and speed to see the outlines of a useful running back. Tracy also brings pass-catching experience and potential as a kick returner. Tracy would fit best in a gap-heavy system that can simplify his reads and let him loose.
Purdue HC Ryan Walters on Michigan Scandal: 'They Aren't Allegations. It Happened'
Nov 3, 2023
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Ryan Walters of the Purdue Boilermakers waits with the team to take the field against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
Ahead of this week's game against Michigan, Purdue head coach Ryan Walters didn't hold back when discussing the school's sign-stealing scandal.
"They aren't allegations. It happened," Walters told reporters on Thursday. "There's video evidence. There's ticket purchases you can track back. We know for a fact they were at a number of our games."
Michigan staffer Connor Stalions has been suspended after being revealed as the center of the sign-stealing operation that is being investigated by the NCAA. He allegedly bought tickets to games involving Michigan opponents and even appeared on opposing teams' sidelines.
Saturday's game between Purdue and Michigan will be a rematch of the 2022 Big Ten Championship. The teams have been going in opposite directions this year, as the Boilermakers are 2-6 and the Wolverines are 8-0 and were ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings released earlier this week. Walters said his coaching staff has had to make some adjustments amid the ongoing scandal.
"We've had to teach our guys a new language in terms of some signals and we'll operate different offensively," Walters said. "You might see us in a huddle for the first time this season. So it is what it is, but we're excited to go play and I think it would make for a great story."
Ross Dellenger and Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports reported on Thursday that Big Ten athletic directors "continued to encourage action from the league over Michigan's sign-stealing scandal and gave their support for any decision that is made" during a meeting with commissioner Tony Petitti.
It will be interesting to see if they get their way as the investigation continues to unravel.
Cory Trice Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Purdue CB
Apr 25, 2023
Purdue safety Cory Trice (23) celebrates an interception against Maryland during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Purdue defeated Maryland 40-14. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 206
HAND: 9 3/4"
ARM: 32 3/8"
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: 4.47
3-CONE: TBD
SHUTTLE: TBD
VERTICAL: 35.5"
BROAD: 11'0"
POSITIVES
— Excellent length and size with very good movement skills.
— Press corner who moves his feet well while staying square at the line of scrimmage. Likes to get his hands on to control and reroute.
— Has good ball skills to locate and track the ball, while showing to be a great reactive defender when playing the ball.
NEGATIVES
— Long strider that can take a few steps to get going. Lacks the recovery speed to get back in phase when given a step.
— Can play tall at times. Slow to drop his hips and allows separation at the top of routes.
2022 STATISTICS
— 13 Games, 34 Tackles, 2 TFL, 2 INT, 10 PBU
NOTES
DOB: 5/30/2000
26 Starts
Season ending injury after 2 games in 2021
OVERALL
Cory Trice Jr. is a long-limbed athlete with outstanding length and size for an NFL cornerback. He shows to have very good movement skills for his size. He started his career as a safety but moved to cornerback where he was able to play for 3 seasons before being the full-time starter in 2022.
He primarily plays out of press man but has also shown to play catch technique as well as in zone. While in press, he does a very good job of moving his feet to widen releases. When working downfield, he does a great job of shooting his hands and controlling receivers.
Due to his height and tall posture, he struggles to sink his hips when running full speed, allowing separation out of breaks. When in phase, he does a great job of staying in the receiver's hip pocket and using great timing to dislodge passes; even when playing with his back to the quarterback. When he is on top of routes and tracking the ball in the air, he does a very good job of high pointing and attacking the ball in the air.
Trice is a long strider who can take a little to get going but when he opens and runs at the correct time, he is able to run with most receivers. Although there are times when his lack of long speed can show up as well as a lack of recovery speed.
As a run defender, Trice uses his aggression and length to take on and control blockers. While keeping them at a distance, he quickly disengages and gets to the ball carriers. Even with his aggression towards blockers, he doesn't quite show the same when tackling. He has shown to play his position but will need to continue to improve his tackling for the next level.
Cory Trice has the rare length and size that NFL teams are looking for. He has very good movement skills but lacks the twitch and top-end speed to run with the elite athletes at the next level. A mix of man and zone coverage would be best for Trice. He will come in as a role player with the opportunity to compete for a starting role within a few years of his career.
Payne Durham NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Purdue TE
Apr 15, 2023
BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 26: Purdue Boilermakers tight end Payne Durham (87) scores a touchdown as Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jaylin Williams (23) and Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jonathan Haynes (17) defend during the college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Indiana Hoosiers on November 26, 2022, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'5 5/8"
WEIGHT: 253
HAND: 9 3/4"
ARM: 33 3/8"
WINGSPAN:
40-YARD DASH: 4.87
3-CONE: N/A
SHUTTLE: N/A
VERTICAL: 34.5"
BROAD: 9'9"
POSITIVES
— Above-average acceleration. Can cover good ground in short bursts.
— Above-average hands and ball skills. Flashes the ability to make top-shelf catches.
— Good blocker. Strong, high-effort player. Even showed quality pass pro reps.
NEGATIVES
— Poor change of direction. Takes too many steps at route breaks, lacks explosion.
— Long speed isn't there, despite good initial burst and acceleration.
— Doesn't play well through contact as a pass-catcher. Lets himself get moved and overwhelmed.
2022 STATISTICS
— 13 G, 56 REC, 560 REC (10.0 AVG), 8 TD
NOTES
— DOB: June 15, 2000
— 3-star recruit in 2018, per 247 Sports' composite ranking
— 33 career starts
— 2022 second-team All-Big Ten
OVERALL
Payne Durham is a throwback tight end with the hands and blocking skills to stick, but he may lack the pop to emerge as an eventual TE1.
Durham's selling point is his hands. He's a reliable pass-catcher over the middle, flashing the ability to snag throws outside his frame and bring them in comfortably. Durham also has just enough vertical ability and length to play the ball high in the air, especially in the red zone.
Durham also has nice acceleration, which shows itself most when he transitions from receiver to ball carrier. He does well to quickly eat up ground with his first few steps and get moving out of the way of the initial tackler. It's a good trait to have at his size.
Additionally, Durham brings it as a blocker. He's tough and plays to finish blocks in the run game. Durham was even asked to pass protect a fair amount at Purdue and handled that well, showing off nice movement skills and anchor.
However, Durham lacks juice as a receiver. Despite some nice acceleration to start, Durham isn't a good mover in other facets. He doesn't have good long speed, for one. He's also too heavy-footed getting in and out of breaks, as well as off the line of scrimmage.
Durham also doesn't handle contact the way his frame suggests. When pressed at the line or rerouted later in his route, Durham often ends up off balance and loses all his speed. That's likely going to be an even bigger problem in the NFL.
Durham has enough to stick around. His combination of size, ball skills and blocking ability make him a solid depth tight end from the start. It's hard to envision an exciting ceiling with Durham, however, and that's why he's a Day 3 target.
Charlie Jones NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Purdue WR
Apr 15, 2023
BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 26: Purdue WR Charlie Jones (15) during a college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and Indiana Hoosiers on November 26, 2022 at Memorial Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 5'11"
WEIGHT: 175
HAND: 9"
ARM: 31 5/8"
WINGSPAN: N/A
40-YARD DASH: 4.43
3-CONE: N/A
SHUTTLE: N/A
VERTICAL: 36.5"
BROAD: 10'4"
POSITIVES
— Good acceleration and top speed. Can be a threat beyond 10 yards.
— Plays bigger than his listed frame suggests. Strength is adequate.
— Excellent ball tracking and hands. Plays well outside his frame; can hang on through contact.
— Useful YAC generator. Good speed and a smooth mover with the ball.
— Experienced and effective returner on both punts and kickoffs.
NEGATIVES
— Below-average release and route-running. Too often wastes steps without gaining ground.
— Below-average change of direction skills. Can be a little stiff getting in and out of breaks.
— Not a very explosive mover except for in a straight line.
— Older prospect. Will be 25 years old in the middle of rookie season.
2022 STATISTICS
— 13 G, 110 REC, 1,361 YDS (12.4 AVG), 12 TD
NOTES
— DOB: October 29, 1998
— 2-star recruit in Buffalo's 2017 recruiting class, per 247 Sports' composite rating
— Transferred to Iowa in 2019, then Purdue in 2022
— 12 career starts
— 2022 first-team All-Big Ten
OVERALL
Charlie Jones is an older prospect with just enough speed, ball skills and return ability to be a useful rotational player and special-teamer.
Jones' best athletic trait is his speed. As evidenced by his 4.43 40-yard dash, Jones can really fly when he is allowed to take off on vertical routes. Go balls, fades and post routes all enable Jones to stride out and separate from his opponents in the simplest way possible. That speed also translates to his skills as a ball-carrier. Both when generating YAC and as a return man, Jones' acceleration and speed in the open field can be troublesome for defenders.
Jones also plays bigger than his listed height and weight suggest. He's not a bully by any means, but Jones showed little issue being able to fight for the ball through contact. He showed the ability to free his arms and leap for the ball through contact and still come down with it after taking a hit or landing hard. Jones is able to do that, in part, because his ball skills are exceptional. Whether the ball is high, low or well outside his frame, Jones finds a way to snag it and hang on, even on the sideline. He's a vacuum when the ball is in his area.
That said, Jones' game is limited by his lack of change-of-direction ability and explosion. Jones can struggle to sink his hips when snapping off routes, which wastes time. He also lacks the explosive ability to shoot out of those breaks and separate. That combination sort of limits Jones' route tree to vertical routes and a small handful of simple, quick-game routes.
On top of that, Jones often wastes time as a route-runner, especially at the line. He doesn't have the strength to run through contact and also doesn't have the quickness to sidestep press with ease. He sometimes needs to take extra steps and maneuvers to free himself, if he can at all.
Jones has the traits to be a useful vertical receiver. Though not the biggest prospect, particularly in the weight department, Jones' speed and ball skills are enough for him to have a path to playing time sooner than later. Jones will need to clean up his route-running, however, and even then his ceiling may still be limited to being a role player given his relative lack of agility and explosion. Jones would fit best in a vertical system on a team that also needs help in the return game.
Report: NJ Suspends Citrus Bowl Betting Due to Drew Brees' PointsBet Partnership
Dec 30, 2022
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 16: NBC Sports Drew Brees reports from the sidelines before an AFC wild card playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan 16, 2022 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has shut down betting on Monday's Citrus Bowl between Purdue and LSU because of Drew Brees' prior business relationship with sportsbook PointsBet, according to a report from David Purdum of ESPN.
While regulators only noted that "an individual associated with Purdue Football team" was in violation of state regulations, Brees—who is serving as an interim assistant coach for Purdue during the Citrus Bowl—is reportedly the person in question.
"I am extremely excited to work with our team over the next few weeks as we prepare for the Citrus Bowl. I see it not only as an opportunity to coach and mentor this group of young men, but represent all the former Purdue players that care so much about our program. This is also preparation for the future of Purdue Football with new head coach Ryan Walters. I had a great conversation with Coach Walters last night, and love the energy, passion and detail he will bring to our program. The future is bright, and there is no better time to be a Boilermaker!"
A week later, the New Jersey-based PointsBet ended its relationship with the retired NFL quarterback, noting, "Regulatory and legal compliance, responsible gaming practices, and the integrity of legal sports betting are top priorities for our organization and this decision will allow us to uphold that commitment."
Not only did the NJDGE tell state sportsbooks to stop taking action on the game, but it also forced any bets placed on the contest after Dec. 15 to be voided.
Per ESPN's report, Brees—though not named by the NJDGE—was in violation of statute 5:12A-11 (f), which "prohibits athletes, coaches, referees or director of a sports governing body from having 'any ownership interest in, control of, or otherwise be employed by an operator.'"
Brees, 43, retired from the NFL following the 2020 season. The 13-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion then took a job with NBC Sports for one year, working as an analyst for both Football Night in America and Notre Dame football broadcasts.
He spent four years at Purdue (1997-00) during his college career, throwing for 11,792 yards and 90 touchdowns.
Report: Former Texas QB Hudson Card Commits to Purdue as QB Brady Allen Eyes Transfer
Dec 27, 2022
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 17: Hudson Card #1 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Purdue's quarterback room will look a lot different in 2023.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Hudson Card committed to transfer to the Boilermakers from Texas on Monday.
Ryan Walters will have to replace Purdue's leading passer in his first year as head coach, with Aidan O'Connell opting out of the Citrus Bowl to focus on the 2023 NFL draft. Freshman signal-caller Brady Allen also announced Monday he's entering the transfer portal.
That gives Card the inside track for the starting job next year.
A 4-star recruit in 2020, Card was the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in 247Sports' composite rankings. In three years with the Longhorns, he threw for 1,523 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 65.5 percent of his passes.
The writing was on the wall for the Austin native when Quinn Ewers beat him out to be Texas' starter for the start of the 2022 season. The impending arrival of Arch Manning meant more competition at the position.
Card should be able to play a starring role at Purdue, and Thamel described the program as "an appealing destination" with Graham Harrell joining Walters' staff as offensive coordinator.
A former player and assistant of Air Raid maestro Mike Leach, Harrell figures to bring a pass-happy scheme to West Lafayette, Indiana. That should help Card showcase his skills.
Drew Brees Hired as Purdue Interim Assistant Coach Before Citrus Bowl
Dec 15, 2022
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Former Boilermaker and current New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees watches the actions during an NCAA football game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Purdue Boilermakers on November 19, 2016, at the Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN. The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Purdue Boilermakers 49-20. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Drew Brees is going back to Purdue as an interim assistant coach ahead of the Citrus Bowl.
The school announced Thursday that Brees will work on the field with players and participate in recruiting.
He said in a statement:
"I am extremely excited to work with our team over the next few weeks as we prepare for the Citrus Bowl. I see it not only as an opportunity to coach and mentor this group of young men, but represent all the former Purdue players that care so much about our program. This is also preparation for the future of Purdue Football with new head coach Ryan Walters. I had a great conversation with Coach Walters last night, and love the energy, passion and detail he will bring to our program. The future is bright, and there is no better time to be a Boilermaker!"
Per Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger, Brees wanted to help the football team as it transitions to Walters as its new head coach.
Former head coach Jeff Brohm left Purdue to take the same position at the University of Louisville. The 51-year-old is from Louisville and played football at the school from 1989 to 1993. He also worked as an assistant coach for the Cardinals from 2003 to 2008.
The Boilermakers had an inconsistent six-season run under Brohm. They went 36-34, and this season saw them play in the Big Ten Championship Game for the first time.
Brian Brohm, Jeff's brother and Purdue's offensive coordinator since 2017, will serve as interim head coach for the Citrus Bowl.
Walters was named as Brohm's replacement Tuesday. He spent the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator at the University of Illinois.
Brees, Purdue's starting quarterback from 1998 to 2000, is one of the best football players in school history. He is its all-time leader in passing yards (11,792), completions (1,026) and passing touchdowns (90).
In his final college season, Brees led the Boilermakers to a share of the Big Ten championship and an appearance in the Rose Bowl.
A victory in the Citrus Bowl will give Purdue nine wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1997-98.
