Purdue Gridiron Chat

Let’s take the lid off a chat, answering your questions with Purdue in the midst of altering its roster in the transfer portal. To see the full chat, click here. You always can email me at [email protected]. Thanks!

MORE: Spring portal additions | Spring portal departures | 2026 Purdue commitments | 2025 Roster distribution

DrJimdvm: One of your original thoughts was that Bennett Meredith would probably be gone after spring, diploma in hand. With the QB room the way it is, and reports of his steady spring performance, do you think he’s gonna stay if he’s QB2?
A: I think he’ll stay. In fact, I think the other two QBs will stay, too: Malachi Singleton and Evans Chuba. Not sure the later two would have many other great options. I think Meredith was the best QB this spring. Thought he may have some G4 opportunities. But, he may sit tight. Still, not sure if he is the coaching staff’s ideal fit for the offense from an athletic standpoint. And I think Singleton will be QB2; Meredith QB3.

Purduefan4: Is Ryan Browne better than the rest of the QB room throwing?
A: I think so, but Browne still has room to develop as a passer. Remember: He has only two career starts and also played a lot in one game in 2023. Browne lacks a wealth of experience. Still, I think he’s further along than Singleton or Chuba. And I think he’s just better than Meredith.

OrtsonElbowWasDown: What positions are still the biggest portal needs? Seems like OL and WR have been shored up well.
A: I think Purdue still needs another receiver and linebacker (maybe 2). At least two DLs (T and E). A safety and tight end, too. Also: Purdue needs a kicker, punter and long-snapper. I could add two more OLs, too. All told: I would not be shocked if Purdue adds 25 or so players in the April portal window.

Mma_boiler_che: Have you ever assessed Ryan Browne at practice? And if so, have you seen his “practice like a pro video on YouTube”? Do you think he’s better than the QBs we currently have?
A: I do think Browne is better than the other QBs on the roster. He’s the best combo runner-passer. We saw what he’s capable of in the Illinois game last year, when Browne almost engineered a victory at but Purdue lost a wild 50-49 decision in OT. Browne’s full array of skills were on display that day in Champaign, Ill., as he threw for 297 yards on 18-of-26 passing (69 percent) with 3 TDs and ran for 118 yards on 17 carries (6.9 ypc) vs. the Illini. Bottle that.

SactusGrow: Purdue has brought in a lot of new guys on the offensive line this portal window. Is that an indictment of the guys that are here? Or is that just a position group that this staff wants to prioritize?
A: Purdue needed to upgrade on the OL. And, it has done so … and then some. Should be fun watching these o-linemen compete with each other. Hate to lose Jaden Ball, but Purdue upgraded over Jimmy Liston, Rod Green, Jaekwon Bouldin and Jordan King. Should be a lot of talent in that room. Very optimistic.

rapapathansiou: Will Purdue land a transfer in the special teams unit (LS, P, K)?
A: I think Purdue will bring in a long snapper; I would get a vet to pair with freshman Justin Schmit. Yes, the staff is A-OK with Spencer Portath. The kicking job is his, but another is needed. And I think it is fine with P Sam Dubwig.

HokokenBoiler: If we want to get a sense for what the offense will look like next year, which 2024 team’s tape should we watch? UNLV, USC, UCF, other?
A: Good question. I would think a little of each. Josh Henson is OC, coming from USC. So, that would make sense to study Trojan tape. QB run game stuff from UNLV probably will be incorporated. Same as UCF, where Darin Hinshaw had been an OC. Gus Malzahn always liked to run his QBs. This offense will be a cocktail of all three.

Charlespig: What’s your best guess on how many wins we’ll have? What’s the low end and what’s the high end estimate?
A: How about two on the low end and six on the high end.