Purdue lands 2026 three-star in-state defensive lineman
Purdue continues its bolstering of the trenches in the 2026 recruiting class, landing a commitment from three-star Center Grove (Ind.) defensive lineman Kobe Cherry. The announcement from the Indianapolis native comes on the heels of his official visit to West Lafayette over the weekend.
Purdue moved quickly on Cherry in the last week, as he was on campus for team camp and was put through an individual workout by Jake Trump and Kelvin Green. That turned into a new target for Green and the defensive staff that is now a commitment.
Cherry held offers from the likes of Indiana, Wisconsin, Louisville, Minnesota, Washington and others during his recruitment. He has a 85.10 On3 Industry Ranking, while being the 98th ranked defensive lineman and 15th ranked player in Indiana in the 2026 class. Cherry
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Purdue now has four defensive linemen locked into the 2026 recruiting class, with Cherry joining Hillcrest (Ill.) edge Max Carmicle, North Hardin (Ky.) defensive tackle Josiah Hope and Downers Grove North (Ill.) lineman Aiden Solecki.
The Boilermakers have netted six commitments since Friday with Cherry’s pledge, along with Josiah Hope and Aiden Solecki, athlete/tight end Dream Rashad, wide receiver Brandon Kinsey, offensive lineman Terrell Berryhill. The latest commitment in that group gives Purdue 18 members in the 2026 class.
MORE: 2026 Purdue commitments
