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Issues, Answers and the road forward

On3 imageby: Tom Dienhart11/29/25TomDienhart1

The 2025 debut for Barry Odom is in the books. And, it was not pretty, culminating with a 2-10 record, the worst in the Big Ten.

Only one of 18 Big Ten teams finished with no conference victories: Purdue. This, on the heels of a 1-11 season in 2024. The program is 7-29 since Jeff Brohm left. Tough times in West Lafayette.

Now what?

The offense didn’t suffer a lot of injuries, but they were key injuries. WR De’Nylon Morrissette missed the entire season; TE George Burhenn played only four games; Devin Mockobee played only eight games. That’s arguably your top wideout, top tight end and top running back.

Purdue was No. 17 in scoring in Big Ten games (14.4 ppg). The red zone offense? It was the Big Ten’s worst (75.7 scoring percent). You get the picture. Purdue could move the ball at times … but couldn’t score, the most important stat of all.

Odom and Co., need to address many things in this oh-so critical offseason. A look at the offense. We’ll look at the defense tomorrow.

Purdue offense breakdown

PositionSkinnyNeeds
QuarterbackIs Purdue gonna bring back Ryan Browne as the No. 1 man? He flashed at times but also tossed 10 INTs (second most in Big Ten) with just 9 TDs. No doubt, his supporting cast was dubious. But is he really the guy? Does he have “it”? Will Malachi Singleton be back? Or are two portal QBs needed?Purdue should not have rolled with a 2025 QB depth chart devoid of starting experience to begin with. (That’s a story for another day.) Many feel an upgrade is needed with a proven starter and possibly a backup with starting chops, as well. Wouldn’t be cheap. Nothing good ever is, right? How Purdue handles this position will be telling. Tether a very important 2026 season to Browne? Or seek an alternative? No decision looms bigger. The clock ticks.
Running backDevin Mockobee has left the building–along with Malachi Thomas. All that’s left are complementary backs for a position that’s … pedestrian. Antonio Harris and Jaron Thomas are “guys.” Jaheim Merriweather has been persona non grata. Does he have a future here?An alpha option is a must, a TRUE No. 1 who can carry the load. Get him a sidekick, too. Maybe a 1-A and 1-B. Just don’t believe anyone on the roster is a bonafide starter. Getting a legit starter is non-negotiable.
LineJust not up to snuff. Not big enough, not strong enough, not tough enough, not deep enough … we could go on. If this front doesn’t improve, the offense has no chance to get better–no matter who is playing skill positions. Football is won up front at level of the sport. And Purdue rarely in its history wins up front.Purdue has keepers in T Joey Tanona, G Hank Purvis and C Bradyn Joiner. Can the staff retain that trio? The front needs legit tackles; Tanona is good but lacks size. You need monsters in the Big Ten. At least two starters–maybe more–are needed from the portal. If anyone in the wings was capable, he probably would have played in 2025. Just don’t see any answers on the depth chart; answers must come via the portal.
ReceiverIs “abomination” too strong of a word? Not here to quibble over semantics. The bottom line is this: The unit needs to be gutted and rebuilt. There was no explosive ability–and drops occurred too frequently. Playmakers are needed. Difference-makers are required. And how about getting some size?Nitro Tuggle is the only “must keep” guy. De’Nylon Morrissette? Dunno, since he missed the season. This unit needs size and speed–if just needs talent. Purdue must obtain wideouts who have been productive–not bring in players with “potential.” This unit has flat-lined the last two years; these guys are too easy to defend.
Tight endWith George Burhenn out for the season after four games, this unit became de-facto linemen/fullbacks–for the most part. Given Burhenn’s fragility, it would seem dicey for Purdue to count on him again. It needs to sign a legit No. 1 tight end–as well as a couple lesser options. This position can’t be a black hole again.

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