Interview: Coach Odom
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Football took the practice field on Monday morning (August 24) ahead of the first day of classes for the 2026 fall semester.
The Boilers put together a record-setting campaign in the classroom during 2025-26 academic year with a 3.32 cumulative grade point average (GPA).
“The three semesters that we’ve been here, we’ve had the highest GPA in Purdue Football history in back-to-back-to-back semesters,” said head coach Barry Odom. “I would expect us to do the same thing this semester, academically. I’m proud of what the academic staff has done to put us in that position and our student-athletes for taking care of business.”
During the final weekend before classes, Purdue spent Saturday night (August 22) in Ross-Ade Stadium for its second scrimmage of fall camp. The Boilermakers had another encouraging effort as the season approaches.
“I think we’ve executed more consistently on both sides of the ball,” said Odom. “I thought we had good quarterback play and thought our offense line communicated well… We continue to make positive moves on the line of scrimmage on both sides.”
Throughout the program's growth together since January, Odom consistently notes the different camaraderie this year’s team shows compared to last season. The growth both on and off the field has prepared the Boilers for the road ahead.
“We look like a complete team that’s competitive,” said Odom. “They enjoy playing, they like each other, and we understand we’ll go through adversity at some point. They’re going to look adversity in the eye and swing back. I’m excited about their competitive spirit.”
Purdue returns to the field on Tuesday morning (August 25).