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What’s Next for Purdue DBs

On3 imageby: Tom Dienhart12/28/25TomDienhart1

Let’s just say there were issues in the secondary.

The unit was totally revamped by Barry Odom via the portal, with eight d-backs imported. (One–S Crew Wakley–bolted town before the season concluded and another–CB Chad Brown–never got eligible.)

Bottom line: The massive injection of veteran talent did not have the desired result.

Purdue finished last in the Big Ten vs. the pass (241.7 ypg), allowing a whopping 9.3 yards per attempt (most in the league). And the Boilermakers had a league-low four interceptions. No doubt, the secondary was hampered by a defense that failed to get a decent pass rush without blitzing.

Still, there is no sugarcoating it: The DBs often floundered despite often starting three seniors in CB Tony Grimes, S Tahj Ra-El and S Myles Slusher.

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

MORE: Receivers | Offensive line | Running backs | Quarterbacks | Tight ends | Defensive line | Linebackers

Expected transfer departures

PlayerNew school
S Smiley BradfordTBD
S Vi’Naz CobbTBD
S D’Mon MarableTBD

Out of eligibility

Player
S An’Darius Coffey
CB Tony Grimes
S Hershey McLaurin
S Tahj Ra-El
S Myles Slusher
S Richard Toney

Who’s expected back?

PlayerClass
CB Chalil CummingsRFr.
CB Hudauri HinesSo.
CB Zyntreacs OteyFr.
CB Ryan TurnerJr.
CB Tre WrightSo.

Now what?

It’s hoped Hines will return. Yes, he often struggled. Still, the staff likes his size (6-1, 200) and potential. The best should be yet to come for a guy who could be a cornerstone even though he yielded a stupefying 723 yards passing (21.9 ypc) on 53 targets in 2025, per PFF.

It’s hoped Turner, Cummings and Wright can make a move. Each got an opportunity to start in the 2025; none impressed.

The safety spot is basically a blank slate. The staff inked JC safety Dax Noles earlier this month. He has to help in 2026 at the very least as a reserve. After that? The program took a hit when Bradford announced he was hitting the portal. The nickelback flashed in 2025 and looked poised to play a key role next season.

Portal needs

Could Purdue take eight DBs again from the portal? Perhaps, as a copious amount of help is needed for a secondary that will have at least three new starters–and maybe four. Knowing that, veterans with starting experience are needed for a defense with lots to prove.

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