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Old National Presents: The 3-2-1 and June recruiting

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•06/01/25•

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Three things learned. Two questions. One bold statement. It’s The 3-2-1, a look at Purdue football.

Three things learned

1 – Filled up

It is thought Purdue handed out its last scholarship last week when it took a commitment from JC offensive lineman Isoa Takeifanga.

So, any players added from the portal from now until the start of camp in August will be walk-ons, some of whom presumably could be cut some money from revenue sharing.

MORE: Purdue roster distribution

2 – Another 2026 commitment

Purdue landed its seventh commitment in the Class of 2026 on Memorial Day when OL James “Bam” Williams of Lawrence Central High in Indianapolis jumped aboard. He projects to be an interior lineman who I think the staff is excited to have.

Williams wanted to be here, and I think he got tired of playing the recruiting process out. He’s on the short side (listed at 6-3) but is athletic, plays physical and has the alpha mentality to be successful despite his height.

He is the third offensive lineman Purdue has added in the Class of 2026, joining Brock Brownfield of New Palestine (Ind.) High and Rico Schrieber of Chicago Marist.

3 – Muscle flex

The SEC and Big Ten continue to stack the deck in their favor when it comes to the College Football Playoff.

The CFP adopted a straight-seeding model for 2025. It replaces a set up that gave first-round byes to the four highest-ranked conference champions. If straight seeding had been in place in 2024, the SEC and Big Ten each would have had two of the top four spots and first-round byes. Instead, they had one apiece in 2024.

There also is a push by the Big Two for a set number of automatic bids for each of the four power conferences. The Big Ten and SEC reportedly prefer a 16-team playoff that has four automatic bids each for the Big Ten and SEC, with two apiece for the Big 12 and ACC. The top-ranked champion from the non-power conferences would also get an automatic bid, with three at-large selections.

The Big 12 and ACC aren’t stoked.

The sport has no grand vision to raise all Power Four programs. The SEC and Big Ten just want what’s best for them–and they don’t care who they trample or destroy to get what they want.

Two questions

1 – Does Purdue have a shot at Jerimy JJ Finch?

The Indianapolis (Ind.) Warren Central defensive end is the No. 3 recruit in the Class of 2026, according to On3. He would be a huge “get” for Barry Odom and Co., as the competition includes heavy-hitters like Alabama, LSU, Tennessee and Miami, among others.

“They have laid out a strong case of that they not only want me, but need me,” Finch told On3.

Finch was on campus last weekend for an official visit.

“The possibility to come in and play right away,” said Finch on what a big appeal is. “It was a really good visit. They continue to explain to me their plans for me and how I fit into their scheme of the rebuild.”

2 – What is Ryan Browne up to?

Players left campus a week or so ago for some time off before a scheduled return on June 1.

Browne isn’t kicked back sipping Arnold Palmers. He has been working on his skills in Dallas with his personal QB coach: Jeff Christensen, who also worked with Aidan O’Connell.

I believe the QB spot in Browne’s to lose. And I am eager to see his skill-set–a fit for what Odom wants to do–folded into this offense.

One bold statement: Mockobee, Browne, Madden to Las Vegas

Those are the players I think Purdue will take to Big Ten media days July 22-24 in Sin City. Purdue’s day is July 24.

Devin Mockobee, Ryan Browne and C.J. Madden would be three good representatives of this program in transition.

MORE: Offensive projected depth chart | Defensive projected depth chart | Special teams projected depth chart | Spring portal additions | Spring portal departures | 2025 Purdue roster | Purdue roster distribution

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