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Full circle moment comes for Purdue's Ryan Browne against Illinois

by: Dub Jellison3 hours agodubjellison
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Sep 20, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) scores against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

It was around this time last year Ryan Browne burst onto the scene. With Hudson Card sidelined, Purdue turned to the then redshirt freshman signal caller, who lit up the Illini defense. In the 50-49 overtime loss, Browne threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 118 yards on the ground.

It was a moment Browne was waiting for, and one he made the most of. That performance showed that he belonged in the Big Ten.

“I’ve always carried myself with confidence, and when I found out I was going to play that week, I was obviously super fired up. And after the game, we obviously came up short, but I was really encouraged, because I knew in my heart that I could play at this level and be a really good player. But after that game, it really made me realize, like, the potential that I do have, and I think it’s motivated me a lot more as well,” Browne said.

“I think I’ve grown with game experience. I’d only played against Northwestern before the Illinois game last year, so wasn’t very experienced. But now, you know, I’ve got a lot more games under my belt, got a lot more confidence. I’m really excited for this one,” Browne said.

Browne’s second go-around in the Cannon Trophy Game come with a new chapter in the rising signal caller’s progression, as the redshirt sophomore looks to continue his evolution as Purdue’s QB1.

The early returns from Browne’s first four games as the man in West Lafayette are positive, throwing for 259 yards per game, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten this season, with six touchdowns and five interceptions. In that, the Boilermakers are scoring 28.0 points per game, nearly 13 points better that last year’s mark.

“I’m sure glad he’s our quarterback,” said Barry Odom. “I think he’s a special player, and he’s gotten better every single week. I think watching the things that he needs to correct, he gets corrected. He’s so smart. He understands, he commands leadership of the offense. He’s a playmaker. He understands when there is a throw that he wished he had back, he understands the reasons why. I think he’s got a tremendous future and thrilled about the progress that he’s made.”

Coming into the season, Browne’s arm (and legs) were going to be depended upon for Purdue’s offensive success. He’s shown the physical ability in doing both, with 67 rushing yards and two scores, as well as a 14-yard touchdown reception against Notre Dame.

It is the space between the ears that Browne is looking to continue improving, and the area in which he’s had the most growth between a year ago to now.

“I’d say, like, anything pre-snap, really knowing what I’m getting before I get it, and having more of a plan of,” Browne said. “I think last year, I was kind of just snapping the ball and figuring it out like backyard football. So I think now, I’ve come a long way with the mental part of the game, and I think you can always grow there.”

Browne’s second start against the Illini will mark another opportunity for growth for Purdue’s signal caller, and determine whether the Boilermakers will have made strides during their bye week. The 56-30 defeat at the hands of the Fighting Irish gave Purdue plenty to work on during the time off, and now its time Browne and the offense display it in Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Doing so could lead to Purdue bringing the Cannon Trophy back across state lines after the Illini kept it in Champaign for the first time since 2019.

More: Gold and Black Radio: Purdue preparing for Cannon Trophy Game against Illinois

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