Purdue Football: Position Group Grades – Offense

Kyle and I planned to break down the opening depth chart today, but Coach Odom didn’t cooperate. We’ll all see the depth chart unveiled together on the field Friday when Purdue takes the field. Instead, we’re going to give preseason grades for each position group as a whole. There are some iron-clad locks on the depth chart, and I’ll note those, but our grades will cover the position group as a whole.

Grading Scale

A – National level talent

B – Above average Big 10 talent

C – Average Big 10 talent

D – Below average Big 10 talent

F – Not enough talent to function in the Big 10

Quarterback

1. Ryan Browne – 6’4”, 225 – 4th year
2. Evans Chuba – 6’4”, 225 – 3rd year
3. Bennett Meredith – 6’3”, 200 – 5th year

Drew: C –

Browne returns as the clear-cut starter. He shows up at the very bottom of most media “Big 10 quarterback ranking” articles. I’m cutting Purdue and Browne some slack. He wasn’t great, but he wasn’t the worst quarterback in the Big 10 before he injured his non-throwing shoulder against Northwestern. I think he’s a Big 10-caliber starting quarterback. I’m not certain on this assessment, but the coaching staff didn’t look for a portal quarterback with Browne returning.

I went with a C- because I have no idea what Purdue has behind Browne. I’m hoping to see Chuba get some work against Indiana State, but if Browne goes down with an injury, the Boilermakers will drop from a C- to an F. Some teams can afford to lose their starter; Purdue isn’t one of them, and it’s not because Browne is an exceptional talent.

Kyle: B-

Purdue’s quarterback room enters the season with a clear leader in Ryan Browne, and that continuity gives the Boilermakers a much better starting point than they had a year ago. Browne started all 12 games in 2025, throwing for 2,153 yards and nine touchdowns while adding four rushing scores. The talent is there, but the next step is turning that experience into more consistent quarterback play, particularly when it comes to protecting the football.

Behind Browne, Evans Chuba and Bennett Meredith give Purdue two interesting options. Chuba brings a similar physical profile to the starter and appears to be the higher-upside developmental quarterback, while Meredith provides an older, more experienced option in the room. The backup battle is worth watching, but Purdue’s success will depend much more on Browne’s development than on finding a new starter.

Overall, this is a group with enough experience and talent to be a strength, but it is not yet a proven strength. If Browne can clean up the mistakes and take a meaningful step forward as a passer, Purdue could have a quarterback room that is better than its preseason reputation. If the turnovers and inconsistency continue, the grade will look more like a question mark than a strength.

Running Back2

1. Fame Ijeboi – 6’0”, 215 – 3rd Year
2. Jerrick Gibson – 5’10”, 205 – 3rd Year – OR –
3. Antonio Harris – 6’1”, 213 – 3rd Year – OR –
4. Travis Terrell Jr. – 5’9”, 180

Drew: B-

This is one of Purdue’s deepest position groups on the roster, but my only question is top-end talent. Ijeboi, Gibson, and Harris were all backups in 2025; can one of them step up and establish themself as the unquestioned starter? It sounds like Minnesota transfer Fame Ijeboi has the starting job sewn up, but I expect all four of these running backs to be involved in the game plan this season. Gibson was nicked up in camp, which makes me nervous considering Purdue’s recent luck with high-profile transfer portal injuries. The Boilermakers need Gibson to give them a consistent 1-2 punch with Ijeboi; right now, it sounds like there is a fairly large gap between Ijeboi and the field.

Keep an eye on Travis Terrell Jr. He can be a difference-maker as a change-of-pace back with home run-hitting ability. He’s not going to get more than 10 carries in any game, but could rack up the all-purpose yards as a receiving option out of the backfield and kick returner.

Kyle: B

Purdue’s running back room has the potential to be one of the more reliable position groups on the roster. Fame Ijeboi gives the Boilermakers a physical, experienced lead back at 6’0″, 215 pounds, and his presence should provide some stability in the running game. Behind him, Jerrick Gibson, Antonio Harris, and Travis Terrell Jr. give Purdue a mix of size, experience, and developmental upside. Gibson and Harris are particularly intriguing options as Purdue looks to establish a dependable second back.

The biggest question is whether Purdue can find a consistent complement to Ijeboi. Having multiple players listed as “OR” suggests the competition is still open, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it also means the depth chart has not completely separated itself. If Gibson or Harris can emerge as a reliable second option, Purdue could have a strong one-two punch. Terrell Jr. also brings a different skill set at 5’9″, 180 pounds and could provide a change-of-pace element.

Overall, this is a group with enough experience and physicality to be a solid part of the offense. Ijeboi gives Purdue a dependable foundation, while the competition behind him should help create depth.

Offensive Line

Left Tackle

1. Joey Tanona – 6’6”, 310 – 5th year
2. Nuku Mafi – 6’4”, 325 – 3rd year
3. Rico Schriber – 6’8”, 330 – 1st year

Drew: B-

I’ve seen better teams with less functional depth at left tackle than Purdue has, assuming Joey Tanona’s ankle is close to 100%. Mafi is the difference-maker here. He started all but one game at left tackle for Oklahoma State last season after their original starter went down with a season-ending injury in their first game. Tackle isn’t his natural position. In a perfect world, Tanona never comes off the field, and Mafi helps fortify the guard position, but it’s a luxury to have two left tackles on your roster with P4 starting experience.

First-year player Rico Schriber, by all accounts, has acquitted himself well in camp and could be the future of the position moving forward. I wouldn’t be surprised if he backs up Tanona in-game, with Mafi as a long-term option if Joey can’t get and stay healthy.

Kyle: B

Purdue’s left tackle room has a lot to like, starting with Joey Tanona. At 6’6″, 310 pounds, and entering his fifth year, Tanona brings the size and experience you want at one of the most important positions on the offensive line. Having a veteran anchor on the blindside should give Purdue some stability as the offense continues to develop.

Behind Tanona, Nuku Mafi and Rico Schriber provide intriguing depth. Mafi’s 6’4″, 325-pound frame gives Purdue a physical option, while Schriber brings impressive size at 6’8″, 330 pounds. The biggest question is how quickly that depth can become dependable game-day production, particularly with Schriber entering his first year.

Overall, Purdue has a solid starting point at left tackle. Tanona’s experience gives the group a dependable foundation, and the young talent behind him provides some upside.

Guard

1. Micah Banuelos – 6’2”, 310 – 4th year
2. Brock Brownfield – 6’4”, 300 – 1st year
3. Nuku Mafi – 6’4”, 325 – 3rd year
4. Marques Easley – 6’6”, 315 – 3rd year
5. Ethan Trent – 6’2”, 295 – 4th year

Drew: D+

It sounds like 1st-year freshman Brock Brownfield is going to start at left guard. Long-term, that’s good. You can’t have an experienced veteran offensive lineman without them getting on the field early in their career. Still, color me skeptical that he’s ready to go straight out of the box in the Big 10. There’s going to be some highs and lows for the freshman, but the coaching staff must believe his physical ability will help him keep his head above water until he gets more snaps under his belt. He’ll be playing beside two veterans in Tanona and Stanley, which should help.

Right guard might take a minute to sort out. Banuelos is a former 4* recruit and transfer from USC with experience in Josh Henson’s offense. He’s not a bad option. I already mentioned Mafi; he can play tackle or guard and might have more value as the first sub off the bench than as a starter. If Brownfield struggles, Mafi is probably the next man up, unless he’s needed at tackle. I keep writing about how Marques Easley was an elite recruit, and he’s yet to back me up with his play. I thought he was a lock at one of the guard spots; now I’m not so sure. He’ll have the opportunity to prove he belongs in the rotation.

Trent started a few games last season, and it wasn’t great. He has everything you’re looking for in terms of heart and toughness, but that’s not enough in the Big 10. Once the conference games got underway, his physical limitations sent him to the bench.

This group has enough talent to outplay its starting ranking, but I’m going to need to see it on the field.

Kyle: C+

Purdue’s guard room looks like a solid, dependable group heading into the season. Micah Banuelos gives the Boilermakers a veteran presence at 6’2″, 310 pounds, and entering his fourth year. That experience should be valuable in the interior, where consistency, communication, and the ability to handle pressure are critical. Banuelos provides a strong foundation for the group, but the depth behind him is what makes this room interesting.

Brock Brownfield, Nuku Mafi, Marques Easley, and Ethan Trent give Purdue a good mix of size and experience. Mafi and Easley bring impressive physical frames, while Trent’s fourth-year status gives the room another experienced option. Brownfield is the younger player in the group, but his size and development could make him an important piece of the future. The biggest question is whether Purdue can turn that depth into consistent production, especially if injuries or lineup changes become a factor.

Overall, this is a group that should be able to hold its own in the Big Ten. Banuelos gives Purdue a veteran anchor, and the depth behind him provides enough size and experience to make this a potential strength

Center

1. Boaz Stanley – 6’4”, 305 – 5th year
2. Ethan Trent – 6’2”, 295 – 4th year

Drew: C

Stanley was supposed to be the answer at center for South Carolina last season, after a solid 2o24 season for Troy. He struggled with penalties in 2025, and the Gamecocks went in a different direction. Purdue desperately needs him to be the answer at center because I’m not sure who is going to snap the ball if he’s not available. My guess is Ethan Trent, but I’d prefer not to find out. This is another spot where Stanley could outplay my rankings.

Right Tackle

1. Jude McCoskey – 6’8”, 310 – 4th year
2. Jatavius Shivers – 6’6”, 316 – 4th year
3. Rico Schriber – 6’8”, 330 – 1st year

Drew: C+

McCoskey is a massive human being. He began his career at Indiana State before he literally outgrew the FCS. It’ll be interesting to see how the coaching staff splits snaps between McCoskey and South Carolina transfer Jatavius Shivers, who was looking to earn more playing time after appearing in seven games as a reserve for the Gamecocks last season. Regardless of who plays, I think the Boilermakers will be OK at right tackle, and it might be a strength by the end of the season. Both starting options have great size and are better run blockers than pass blockers; whoever moves their feet the best locks down the job long term.

This is another spot where the coaching staff might try to work in Rico Schriber, although I think you’ll see him more at left tackle.

Kyle: B-

Purdue’s right tackle room has a lot of size and experience, starting with Jude McCoskey. At 6’8″, 310 pounds, and entering his fourth year, McCoskey gives the Boilermakers a veteran presence on the edge. That kind of experience is valuable in the Big Ten, where tackles are constantly asked to handle powerful defensive ends and create room in the running game.

Behind McCoskey, Jatavius Shivers and Rico Schriber give Purdue two intriguing options. Shivers brings a strong physical profile at 6’6″, 316 pounds, while Schriber’s 6’8″, 330-pound frame gives him plenty of size to work with as he develops. The biggest question is whether either player can provide the same level of consistency as McCoskey if called upon.

Overall, this is a group with a solid veteran foundation and impressive physical tools. McCoskey gives Purdue a dependable starting point, while Shivers and Schriber provide enough depth to make this a potential strength

Wide Receiver

First Group

1. Xavier Townsend – 5’11”, 195 – 5th Year
2. De’Nylon Morrissette – 6’1”, 205 – 5th Year
3. Asaad Waseem – 5’11”, 185 – 4th Year
4. Chauncey Magwood – 6’0”, 204 – 6th Year
5. Bisi Owens – 6’4”, 217 – 5th Year
6. Brandon Kinsey – 6’1”, 200 – 1st Year

Second Group

1. Corey Smith – 6’1”, 185 – 3rd Year
2. Tra’Mar Harris – 6’1”, 200 – 3rd Year
3. Jesse Watson – 5’9”, 175 – 3rd Year
4. Ricky Sampson – 6’4”, 210 – 3rd Year
5. Jalil Hall – 6’4”, 216 – 2nd Year
6. JoJo Johnson – 6’4”, 185 – 1st Year

Drew – C+

Here’s the deal: I think this group is better than a C+, but I don’t have any proof. It has nice depth and, unlike last season, a better mix of size and speed. What it doesn’t have is an established number 1 receiver. That doesn’t mean there’s not a number 1; it’s just that none of the guys on the roster have done it for a P4 team. The first group features a bunch of 4th- and 5th-year guys and a freshman.

Xavier Townsend has been a Swiss Army Knife throughout his career. Purdue needs him to be more than that this season, and my guess is he’s at Purdue because they sold him on that vision. He’s been at the forefront of the coaching staff’s mind this offseason and is usually one of the first receivers mentioned. My sense is that the coaching staff wants Townsend to be the man; he hasn’t shown that in four seasons of college football experience, but to be fair, neither had Charlie Jones. He’ll have every opportunity to prove that he’s up for the challenge in 2026.

De’Nylon Morrissette was a former 4* Georgia recruit who has shown flashes but hasn’t stayed healthy. I had no expectations for him coming into the season, but it sounds like he had a great camp and will play. Chauncy Magwood is in the same boat as Morrissette. He’s started 1 game in his career, and that was for Kentucky in 2022. I thought he was done after an injury limited him to two games last season after transferring from UCF. Like Morrissette, his name has been mentioned consistently by coaches this offseason as someone they expect to contribute this season. Waseem

Asaad Wassem is interesting. The FAU transfer was the second-leading receiver for the Owls, pulling down 66 receptions for 699 yards and 5 touchdowns in a pass-happy offense. He’ll play out of the slot for the Boilermakers and has the potential to rack up some receptions running intermediate option routes when teams zone up the middle on third down.

Speaking of interesting, I’m not sure if Owens starts against Indiana State, but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t eventually carve out a starting role on the outside for the Boilermakers. The First Team All-Ivy League receiver pulled down 66 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns for Penn last season. What sets Owens apart from most Ivy League transfers is his physical ability. The former Maryland state champion triple jumper is a thick 6’4”, 217, and can really get up and go get the ball at its highest point with little regard for a smaller defensive back. I’m not sure he’ll have enough opportunities to lead the Boilermakers in receptions, but I think he’ll lead Purdue in yards per reception. If he’s the player I think he is, his presence on the outside will add a deep threat that the offense desperately lacked in 2025. If he can keep the opposing safeties from playing within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage, even if he doesn’t catch a ton of passes, he’ll be well worth the investment.

Finally, freshman Brandon Kinsey makes the top tier of wideouts after a breakout spring and steady fall camp performance. If you’re looking for the future #1 receiver, it’s Kinsey (as long as Purdue can keep him in West Lafayette long term). Based on what I’ve heard from the coaching staff and his fellow receivers in interviews, the Miami, Florida product has been a tough cover all camp and plays with a quiet confidence of a more veteran player. Purdue needs to make it a point to both get him on the field and get the ball in his hands. In terms of talent, Kinsey may be the best of the entire bunch.

I won’t spend too much time on the second group. Ideally, they work hard in practice, establish themselves within the program, and keep Purdue from having to go out and recruit an entirely new wide receiver room out of the portal in 2027. As far as this season goes, I think either Ricky Sampson or Jalil Hall has a chance to crack the lineup as a deep threat / red zone option. The staff also likes Jesse Watson’s quickness and big-play ability out of the slot. Townsend and Waseem are more consistent options right now, but I think Watson will eventually find a role in 2026. Corey Smith played out of necessity last season, and outside of a couple of horror drops (other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln), acquitted himself well under difficult circumstances. He’s another guy in the second group the coaches won’t hesitate to put on the field.

Overall, there’s more talent from top to bottom than Purdue has had in several seasons; now it’s a question of whether one of these guys steps up and becomes the next great Boilermaker wide receiver. If that happens, this unit could easily jump from a C+ to a B+ over the course of the season.

Kyle: B

Purdue’s wide receiver room is one of the deeper position groups on the roster, and the experience at the top of the depth chart gives the Boilermakers a solid foundation. Xavier Townsend, De’Nylon Morrissette, Asaad Waseem, Chauncey Magwood, and Bisi Owens are all experienced players, with Magwood entering his sixth year and Townsend, Morrissette, and Owens entering their fifth. That kind of experience should help Purdue develop a more consistent passing game, particularly with Ryan Browne returning at quarterback.

The first group also offers a good mix of skill sets. Townsend and Waseem provide smaller, quicker options, while Morrissette and Magwood bring more size and experience. Owens gives Purdue a bigger target at 6’4″, 217 pounds, and Brandon Kinsey adds some younger talent to the room. The biggest question is whether one of these players can emerge as a true go-to receiver who consistently wins contested catches and makes big plays when Purdue needs them.

The second group is where Purdue has some intriguing depth. Corey Smith, Tra’Mar Harris, Jesse Watson, Ricky Sampson, Jalil Hall, and JoJo Johnson give the Boilermakers a variety of size and experience. Sampson, Hall, and Johnson provide some impressive size on the outside, while Watson offers a smaller, quicker option. That depth should create competition throughout the season, but Purdue will need some of those players to take a meaningful step forward if the room is going to become a true strength.

Overall, this is a group with plenty of experience, size, and depth. Purdue should have enough receivers to keep defenses honest, but the next step is finding the player or players who can consistently make a difference

Tight End

1. George Burhenn – 6’5”, 245 – 4th year
2. Luca Puccinelli – 6’6”, 270 – 3rd Year
3. Ar’Mari Towns – 6’6”, 235 – 1st Year

Drew – C

This group would have received a B grade from me before UCF transfer Kylan Fox blew out his knee in fall camp. If I had any faith in Burhenn staying healthy, it still might have garnered a B, but George has played in 8 games over the last two seasons, both of which were cut short due to leg injuries. I keep telling people that he’s one of the guys on the roster with NFL talent, but it’s hard to show that off sitting on the bench in street clothes. Purdue desperately needs him to put in a full season of work in 2026. He has the speed to split the safeties down the seam and the run-after-catch ability to turn something into nothing if he manages to shake the first tackle.

Puccinelli pairs well with Burhenn because while George would much rather catch a pass than block, Luca is essentially an auxiliary offensive tackle. He can catch the ball, as evidenced by his three receptions against Indiana last season, but his main utility will be in the run game. I like the idea of lining him up next to McCoskey on the right side of the line and forming a wall of humanity for the backs to run behind. He could also function as a de facto fullback in the run game on occasion. Every team needs a player like Luca in the tight end room.

Fox was Purdue’s hedge against another Burhenn injury. Maybe the football gods decided to take his ACL instead of George’s this season? If that’s the case, he was well worth the investment. Now 1st-year player Ar’Mari Towns has the opportunity to step up and show that Coach Odom already has his tight end of the future on campus. If you’re looking for a Purdue comp, I think Dustin Keller fits the bill. Like Keller, Towns is a wide receiver who grew into a tight end. Blocking is going to be a struggle, but the coaching staff needs to find a way to get him on the field and get him acclimated early, again, as a hedge against a Burhenn injury. He wasn’t supposed to play this early, but there’s a reason why UNC and Auburn both tried to pry him away from the Boilermakers. I think he’ll have a role in the offense at some point, potentially as a second tight end in the redzone.

Kyle: B-

Purdue’s tight end room has a solid foundation with George Burhenn returning as the veteran leader. At 6’5″, 245 pounds, and entering his fourth year, Burhenn brings the experience and physical profile to be a dependable contributor in both the passing and running games. Having a player with that kind of experience at tight end should help Purdue’s offense, particularly when it comes to blocking consistency and providing a reliable target over the middle.

Behind Burhenn, Luca Puccinelli and Ar’Mari Towns give Purdue some intriguing size. Puccinelli’s 6’6″, 270-pound frame makes him an especially interesting option in the blocking game, while Towns brings impressive length at 6’6″, 235 pounds as a first-year player. The biggest question is how quickly that depth can develop into consistent production, particularly with Towns still learning the college game.

Overall, this is a group with a solid veteran starter and plenty of physical tools behind him. Burhenn gives Purdue a dependable foundation, while Puccinelli and Towns provide enough size and upside to make this a group worth watching

Overall Offense

Drew – C –

I don’t like to make promises, but I’m going to go out on a limb and promise that, barring an injury to Ryan Browne, the Boilermakers will be significantly better on offense in 2026 than they were in 2025. I know a C- isn’t ideal, but keep in mind the 2025 offense was an F…possibly a G. Based on this roster, I think a C is the floor, and there is plenty of room to the upside if the offensive line is somewhat functional. I like the talent at the skill positions and see a couple of potential breakout performers at both wide receiver and running back. Can Ryan Browne be “the guy”? The verdict is still out. I understand why he ends up at the bottom of most Big 10 quarterback lists coming into the season, but I have a feeling he’ll finish closer to the middle of the pack when everything is said and done.

If that happens, I think Purdue has enough talent around him and on defense to flirt with a 6-win season.

Kyle: B

Purdue’s offense enters the season with a solid foundation, particularly along the offensive line. The Boilermakers have veteran starters at quarterback, left tackle, guard, and right tackle, giving them the experience and physicality to compete in the Big Ten. Ryan Browne returns at quarterback, while Joey Tanona, Micah Banuelos, and Jude McCoskey provide a strong veteran presence up front. That combination should give Purdue a chance to establish a more consistent identity on offense.

The skill positions are where the biggest questions remain. The running back room has a dependable starting point with Fame Ijeboi, but Purdue still needs a clear second option to emerge. The wide receiver room is deep and experienced, with several players capable of contributing, but the Boilermakers need a true go-to playmaker to take the next step. Tight end also has a solid veteran in George Burhenn, though the depth behind him is still developing.

Overall, this is an offense with enough experience and physical talent to be a strength, but it is not yet a group without question marks. If Browne can improve his consistency, the offensive line can stay healthy, and the skill positions can produce a few difference-makers, Purdue has the potential to be a very good offense