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Purdue Notebook: No. 2 QB Malachi Singleton always on call for change of pace

On3 imageby: Tom Dienhart10/17/25TomDienhart1
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(Matt Krohn/USA Today)

He can run. He can throw. He’s the ultimate wild card. He’s Malachi Singleton, Purdue’s change-of-pace quarterback.

The skills of the Arkansas transfer were on full display last week at Minnesota, when Singleton threw a pass and ran five times for 73 yards. The highlight: A 40-yard TD scamper.

“We’ve seen it in practice,” said OC Josh Henson. “He’s a big, strong runner. Runs the ball really well. He’s got a good feel for running it. He’s 230 pounds, so obviously it’s effective and something we can use to help us win games.”

Did Singleton think he was going to be caught on his 40-yard scoring jaunt?

“Oh, yeah, definitely,” he said. “I had to see where (the Minnesota defender) came from. I really tucked it high and tight because I thought he was going to try to poke at the ball, just trying to keep that ball security.”

Singleton isn’t always sure when his number will be called.

“Staying prepared always, that’s my biggest thing,” said Singleton, who has 15 carries for 122 yards and a score while hitting 5-of-8 passes for 68 yards with a TD and interception in 2025. “Being the number two quarterback, your number can be called at any time. And last year (at Arkansas), it was the same situation. So, going through that definitely helped me be prepared in that moment, just staying calm, cool and collected.”

One situation in which Singleton has been summoned often: The red zone, where he has entered the game along with an extra offensive lineman (they call it the hippo package) to provide an extra push in tight quarters when yards are often difficult to gain.

What else does Singleton have up his sleeve? Could he catch a pass?

“I’m not trying to give away too much,” fessed Singleton. “You know, keep that on the low.”

NOTES:

• Devin Mockobee needs 132 yards rushing to become the fourth Purdue player with 3,000 yards rushing.

• Ryan Browne made his college debut at Northwestern in 2023, throwing for 104 yards and running for 85.

• Purdue’s last road win vs. Northwestern came in Wrigley Field in 2021.

• NU coach David Braun is 2-0 vs. Purdue.

• The trip to Chicagoland will wrap up a stretch of three of four games away from West Lafayette.

• Purdue is No. 3 in the nation in net punting with a 45.2-yard average.

• Michael Jackson leads the Big Ten in catches in conference games with 8.3.

Pregame: First Look: Northwestern | First and 10: Purdue at Northwestern | Barry Odom: Purdue’s progress nice, but it’s time to deliver wins | The 3-2-1: Talking dropped passes, face masks, red zone woes and more | Opponent View: Northwestern | Matchup preview

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