Week 1 of Football Spring Practice is Complete

Interviews: Coach Kane | Winston Berglund | Charles Correa

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Football wrapped up its opening week of spring ball on Saturday and put shoulder pads on for the first time in the spring session.

A move of high significance in the offseason, head coach Barry Odom welcomed Kevin Kane back to West Lafayette to be the program's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. He previously served in the same role on the Boilers' staff for two seasons from 2023-24 before spending the 2025 season at Minnesota.

"It was surreal, but now it’s here and it’s time to work," said Kane. "It’s been a great two months thus far, and I’ve really enjoyed working with the guys… I’ve really gelled with the guys in the room, and we’re attacking this thing together."

Leading the returning productivity from last season, linebacker Charles Correa gears up for his second season in West Lafayette after he started his career at UNLV with Odom. He was All-Big Ten Honorable Mention a season ago, racking up 96 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks and two passes defended. 

“Coach Odom was the reason I came all the way out here, and I fell in love with West Lafayette and the small-town football community," said Correa. "I want to win football games here at Purdue and add to the banners.”

One of the Boilers who played under Kane during his first stint, Winston Berglund, chose to return to Purdue for the 2026 season. Berglund, among many other returners, were eager to welcome back Kane.

“I was really excited," said Berglund. "He’s like a father figure to me, and he’s everything you want as a player from a coach."

Purdue returns to the field on Tuesday, March 10.