2026 Signees that could see the field early

Purdue football inked its 2026 recruiting class on Wednesday and has a number of intriguing prospects headed for West Lafayette next fall. GoldandBlack.com breaks down five names to know that could see the field sooner than later for the Boilermakers.

Oscar A. Carlson (Mich.) running back Izaiah Wright:

The number one candidate to carve out a role for himself in year one is running back signee, Izaiah Wright. Wright could be considered the top dog in the class, if you’re going off of production. The Michigan tailback amassed 2,188 yards and 31 scores on the ground, while adding eight catches for 129 yards and two more touchdowns in the passing game.

“I do think the way he runs, pad level, toughness. I do think he’s got some speed, really, really good vision, and he’s built physically like a guy that can come in and help us right away. And he’s got the right demeanor, I think he’s got the right mindset, he won’t shy away from past protection. Just think he’s got a lot of those qualities early on, that in his favor, can help him out,” coach Barry Odom said of Wright.

Wright steps into a situation where he is going to have an opportunity to compete right away, with only Antonio Harris and Jaron Thomas in the Purdue backfield at the moment. Of course, running back seems to be a spot the Boilermakers will add to out of the transfer portal, but even then, Wright has the tools to step into some offensive role as a true freshman.

North Hardin (Ky.) defensive tackle Josiah Hope:

The talent level is what puts Hope on this list, but the players that could be in front of him on the depth chart make matters more complicated. Sophomores TJ Lindsey, Jamarrion Harkless, and Ian Jeffries figure to be in Purdue’s plans moving forward, as well as Demeco Kennedy, who showed flashes in 2025.

The top-rated player in Purdue’s class has the size already, at 6 feet, 3 inches, and 315 pounds. He plays with a different ferocity and is explosive at the point of attack. The Kentucky native has all the makings of an impact player up front and could look to vault himself into contention for snaps in year one.

Southside-Selma (Ala.) tight end ArMari Towns:

One of the most intriguing guys in the class and one that I see as somewhat of a sleeper is ArMari Towns. The 6 feet, 6 inch tight end exploded as a senior at Southside, having 40 receptions for 740 yards and seven touchdowns. The size and athleticism makes him look like a wide receiver in a tight end’s body. That’s a scary sight for any defensive coordinator.

“I think he’s just scratching the surface on what he can be as a football player, but as far as a true athlete and the size and the ability to develop him, I think he’s got a tremendous future,” Odom said.

Towns can create big plays in the passing game and for a position that had its ups and downs in 2025, could use someone with his skill set. At the moment, George Burhenn, Rico Walker and Luca Puccinelli are the three expected returners that have played any snaps for the Boilermakers. Still, if Towns could come in and cement himself as a reliable pass catcher for Josh Henson, he could see the field in year one.

Benedictine (Va.) wide receiver Jojo Johnson and Miami Central (Fla.) wide receiver Brandon Kinsey:

Went with a tandem of pass catchers here, as both will have opportunities when they get to campus in 2026. Jojo Johnson and Brandon Kinsey make up Purdue’s wide receiver additions in the class and both provide promise at the position moving forward. The pair can each take the top off of the defense and make plays after the catch, which are two areas the Purdue offense lacked consistency in this fall.

Kinsey had 800 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 27 catches, good for an eye-popping 29.6 yards per catch average, while Johnson tallied 41 catches for 560 yards. Johnson stands at 6 feet, 4 inches, where as Kinsey is slightly smaller at 6 feet, 1 inch and is shifty with the football in his hands.

Purdue will have three freshman scholarship wide receivers next season, between Johnson, Kinsey and Jalil Hall. With Michael Jackson III, EJ Horton, and Chauncey Magwood out the door, the Boilermakers will need pass catchers to step up. Johnson and Kinsey will be provided the opportunity to do so.

Heritage Hills (Ind.) safety Jett Goldsberry:

This is a caveat to the list, as you may expect Goldsberry to be on the shortlist of potential contributors in year one based on his hype coming to West Lafayette. That was before his father, Jon, disclosed on X that Goldsberry will undergo surgery on December 23rd for a torn ACL. That could wipe out his entire true freshman campaign with the Boilermakers.

Goldsberry figures to be a big part of Purdue’s future in the secondary, and one would have to think that will be delayed until 2027 as he works his way back from injury as a member of the Boilermakers next year.

More: Purdue football’s National Signing Day superlatives | Takeaways from Purdue’s National Signing Day | GoldandBlack.com video: Purdue coach Barry Odom on 2026 recruiting class