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Purdue Offer gives Syracuse commit a choice

by: Dub Jellison10/28/25dubjellison
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Purdue Boilermakers defensive backs coach Charles Clark yells down field Saturday, March 8, 2025, during Purdue football practice at Kozuch Football Performance Complex in West Lafayette, Ind. © Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tristin Hughes has something to think about now. The four-star Rocky River (Oh.) safety and Syracuse commit visited Purdue on Saturday for its game against Rutgers and walked away with a new offer from defensive backs coach Charles Clark.

Hughes has been committed to Fran Brown and the Orange since September, but has kept his ears open to other programs ever since. Purdue has been steady in its pursuit despite Hughes’ pledge, which led to the visit over the weekend.

“It played a big part,” Hughes said. “It was just crazy. I felt so welcomed there.”

“Coach Clark is honest man, came straight up to me and just said, ‘We want you here. We like your game, we like your film, we like what you’re about. We see you’re a high motor player.’ And just being honest and being straightforward with everything, that means a lot more than people think. It really impacted me in a different way. It made me feel good and really like the program,” Hughes said.

Hughes has emerged as a two-way standout for Rocky River during his junior campaign, having 1,346 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns, as well as 36 total tackles, three interceptions and two pass breakups.

It is his tape on the defensive side of the ball that has piqued the interest of Clark and the Boilermakers and he feels like he can fit into the Purdue secondary.

“My athleticism, and that I can play pretty much anywhere on the field, just that I’m not set to just one position,” Hughes said. “I mean, their defense flies around. Their defense flies around and hits and I feel like I’m a high motor player, so I’d really like to fly around.”

Hughes has been in contact with Purdue and Michigan State, but the Boilermakers have solidified themselves as a significant threat to his commitment to Syracuse. The four-star talent is already considering a return trip to West Lafayette for one of Purdue’s two remaining home games this fall, which are Ohio State (November 8th) and Indiana (November 28th).

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