Skip to main content
Purdue
Join Now

Purdue's QB room heading into 2026

On3 imageby: Tom Dienhart12/20/25TomDienhart1

Up and down. That would be the best way to describe the quarterback play in 2025 for Purdue.

The new staff tabbed Ryan Browne the starter after he had earlier transferred out before returning after going through spring drills at North Carolina.

Browne has a nice skill-set with a good arm, speed and athletic ability. But his decision-making can be dubious at times. To wit: His 10 interceptions were the second most in the Big Ten. And his completion percentage was 58.9, one of just three Big Ten starters under 60 percent.

No doubt, Browne was often undone by a wideout unit that dropped 26 passes, according to PFF. And the talent at the position was wanting. Browne worked with the most meager collection of tight ends in the Big Ten, too.

He also was frequently pulled from games near the goal line in favor of Malachi Singleton in a change-the-pace move. It’s debatable how impactful the move was. Anyway …

Here, we’re breaking down the Boilermakers’ departures, the players out of eligibility, the potential returners, and more.

MORE: Receivers | Offensive line | Running backs

Expected transfer departures

PlayerClass
Malachi SingletonSo.

Out of eligibility

Player

Who’s expected back?

PlayerClass
Ryan BrowneSo.
Evans ChubaRFr.
Bennett MeredithJr.
Garyt OdomFr.

Now what?

Meh. Not much else to say about this position. Browne bolted Purdue for North Carolina in the winter and did a u-turn in the spring. It was odd. Whatever. He was the No. 1 man all season, teasing at times with nifty football work and sharp passes. But he was wont to force passes, often in an effort to make things happen on an offense that finished 16th in the Big Ten in scoring (18.8 ppg) and 14th overall (348. ypg).

Singleton often was inserted in the red zone. It was mildly successful but didn’t really make sense since Browne was an equally adept runner–which is what Singleton usually did when he entered a game.

It’s important to note the quarterbacks didn’t work with a lush collection of skill talent at wideout or tight end. And the line? It was spotty for an offense that finished last in red zone efficiency (75.7 scoring percentage).

Portal needs

Singleton already has announced his intent to enter the portal. No big whoop. And it’s thought Browne already is signed to return in 2026. Also expected back: Meredith and Chuba. Odom does not factor in the picture.

What’s it all mean? Purdue could REALLY use a veteran signal-caller from the portal to battle Browne for the No. 1 job. Are resources available to make it happen? Or will Purdue have to settle for another developmental option?

You may also like