Purdue Wraps Up Fall Practice #5

August 11, 2026

Interviews: Coach Clark | Justin Denson Jr. | Jaden Mangham | John Slaughter

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Football took the field on Tuesday morning (August 11) and completed practice just prior to storms hitting the Greater Lafayette area.

Tuesday’s post-practice session featured defensive backs coach Charles Clark, in his second season at Purdue, who added the title of defensive passing game coordinator ahead of the 2026 season.

Evaluating the depth of the backend of Purdue’s defense is critical, and Clark mentioned the depth is up there with the best he has ever coached. With that, it also helps the Boilers play complementary football with his unit also serving a key role in special teams.

“This is probably the first time in my career that I have about six-to-seven guys that can be starters at multiple positions,” said Clark. “What that allows us to do is play multiple guys and build up both the special teams and secondary. If a guy has to run down on kickoff, I know I can put the next guy in and not miss a beat.”

With a new year comes new faces in Purdue’s secondary after the Boilers had one of the most experienced rooms in college football last season and three starters exhausting eligibility. Hudauri Hines and Smiley Bradford appeared in all 12 games last season, with Hines starting 11, to lead the returning group.

Looking to replace the playing time that left, Purdue added eight out of the transfer portal, including three seniors, to go along with four freshmen.

Jaden Mangham is one of Purdue’s most established additions, especially in the Big Ten, with 34 appearances (17 starts) in four seasons between Michigan and Michigan State. The former 2023 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention is ready for a seamless transition to West Lafayette.

“It definitely translates a lot,” said Mangham. “I’m definitely used to it, this is my third Big Ten school… It definitely hasn’t been a lot to adjust to.”

During his time at Michigan State, Mangham crossed paths with another Purdue addition, Justin Denson Jr., who appeared in 11 games across two seasons with the Spartans. The messages from head coach Barry Odom and Clark made coming to Purdue a no-brainer.

“It’s about the process and how I am going to be developed not only as a football player, but as a man,” said Denson Jr. “The vision that they have and the plan they put out for me and the guys, I saw that and I couldn’t say no.”

Another veteran addition to the room, John Slaughter, has valuable experience with 11 games played last season (three starts) under Deion Sanders at Colorado after 23 games across two seasons at Tennessee. The move to West Lafayette comes with excitement and determination.

“A lot of guys have different stories from the schools they were at previously,” said Slaughter. “I feel like everyone is eager to work, and we all have a point to prove… We’re on a mission this year.”

Purdue is set to return to the practice field on Thursday (August 13).

Madden Named to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Senior defensive end CJ Madden has been named to the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, recognizing college football players from across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) who exemplify community service, academic excellence and athletic achievement.

Ever since arriving in West Lafayette prior to the 2024 season, Madden has made a difference on and off the field. For the second straight year, he has made monetary donations and dedicated time to the Hanna Center, a local community center that provides support for youth and senior citizens throughout the area. Through his donations and visits, Madden serves as a role model for kids at the Hanna Center.

Madden was a team captain for the Boilers last season and he played in all 12 games with eight starting during the campaign. He racked up 16 tackles, while adding 2.5 tackles-for-loss and 0.5 sack.

The 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists will be selected by a national voting committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2026 recipient will also serve as captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 11, airing on ESPN.