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What’s Next for Purdue LBs

On3 imageby: Tom Dienhart12/28/25TomDienhart1

This was one of the more solid positions on an otherwise spotty Purdue defense.

Mani Powell turned out to be all that and a bag of chips, tying for the team lead in tackles with 110. And he added a team-high 12 TFLs and 5.0 sacks, earning All-Big Ten mention. The captain was an ultimate warrior who will be missed.

The staff also got good production from fellow UNLV transfer Charles Correa, in addition to Arkansas transfer Alex Sanford. Correa was third on the team in tackles with 96 and added 3.0 sacks and 7.5 TFLs. He rarely left the field, much like Powell. Sanford was a key cog off the bench who is ready for more.

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

Expected transfer departures

PlayerNew school
Winston BerglundTBD
Owen DavisTBD
Carson DeanTBD

Out of eligibility

Player
Mani Powell

Who’s expected back?

PlayerClass
Charles CorreaSo.
Sanders EllisSo.
Parker MeeseFr.
Alex SanfordJr.

Now what?

Powell is out of eligibility. Too bad. And three linebackers plan to transfer: Dean, Berglund and Davis. Neither played a big role.

Retaining Correa and Sanford is vital. Will Purdue be able to do so? The two could be bellwethers of the 2026 defense.

Ellis is a physcial specimen, but he still has to grasp the defense. Call him a “work in progress.”

Portal needs

As of now, Purdue probably needs at least three linebackers, two of whom should be starting-caliber. But the need here could multiple if Correa and Sanford bolt for the portal. Fingers are crossed.

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