WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Football opened its fall camp portion of 2026 on Monday morning just under a month ahead of the season.
Different from most practice media sessions, head coach Barry Odom addressed the group for the first time this fall prior to practice. In his first public address of fall camp, Odom sent a clear message on what fans should expect compared to last season.
“I want to be the hardest playing team in college football,” said Odom.
It was a quick, but clear message on who the Boilermakers want to be in 2026. Odom also mentioned that he wants his players to treat playing for Purdue with great energy and passion.
The Boilermakers enter fall camp with a new sense of pride under the new theme this year, “On a Mission.” With the new direction of the program, Odom feels the group needs to continue to grow as one through constant competition.
“It’s about reps and how many reps we can get as a program,” said Odom. “We’re not really concerned about a depth chart for the next few days. What I want to see is great competition.”
Odom also is expressed his enthusiasm for the road ahead and who shows leadership skills for the Boilers. Purdue is set to return just two captains from the 2025 squad in quarterback Ryan Browne and defense end CJ Madden.
“I’m excited to see who emerges leadership-wise. I think we have a very strong group of core guys that have led,” said Odom. “I want as many leaders as we can get, and that’s our job to continue to build those guys up and put them in positions to lead.”
During an important last few days in West Lafayette, in naming Tommy McClelland Purdue’s next vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics on Aug. 5, Odom had the pleasure of meeting McClelland on Wednesday ahead of his introductory press conference that took place on Thursday.
“I’m excited about Tommy and him getting started here,” said Odom. “I love his enthusiasm, his vision, and he’s a great fit for Purdue. I’ve talked to a number of people who have known him throughout his career and the remarks they have made to me make me even more excited about what he’s going to be able to get done here.”
Purdue returns to the field on Friday morning for the second practice of fall camp.
Purdue Gets Underway in 2026 Fall Camp
[The players] play for Purdue and play with great energy and passion. Play together and play complementary ball... From start to finish, we give extreme effort... I want to be the hardest playing team in college football.
- Head Coach Barry Odom on What Fans Can Expect in 2026