As spring practice wraps up in West Lafayette, Boilermaker fans got their first look at the 2026 squad during Saturday’s Spring Showcase. Here are the names to watch out for this upcoming season.
The maiden voyage of the Barry Odom era did not go as well as anyone had hoped. Last season’s roster was essentially thrown together from the moment the 2023 Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year stepped onto the plane to his new home on the banks of the Wabash River. Coach Odom and his staff brought in a mindboggling, FBS-leading 83 newcomers between the transfer portal and high school recruiting classes, with 45 of them added after spring practice had already ended.
From last spring to now, stability has been the biggest difference. Although Purdue added 53 newcomers this season, nearly all of them have already been integrated into the program. This is the first time Barry Odom has truly been able to build a roster rather than simply trying to assemble one. With so many new faces and unfamiliar names in today’s world of college football, here are five players who have the potential to break out this season for the Old Gold and Black.
Fame Ijeboi
The Folcroft, Pennsylvania native joins the Boilermakers after a solid freshman season as the second-string running back at Minnesota. Standing at 6-foot-0, 210 pounds, Fame (FAH-may) Ijeboi (EE-jeh-boy) carried the ball 97 times for 441 yards and two touchdowns. He also showcased his ability to catch the ball, adding 12 receptions for 54 yards and a 22-yard touchdown during the 2025 campaign.
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Ijeboi is explosive, elusive in space, and physically built for Big Ten play. Throughout the spring, he has looked like a legitimate contender for the top running back spot. With an improved offensive line expected to create more running lanes, he could be poised for a standout season.
