Following a 1-11 record in Ryan Walters’ second season, the Purdue Boilermakers opted to part ways with the head coach. Several players have since announced their intention to enter the transfer portal, with true sophomore Dillon Thieneman reportedly joining the mass exodus.
Where Will Dillon Thieneman Transfer?
The 2023 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American has cemented himself as one of the nation’s top young defenders. Across two standout seasons, Thieneman generated 210 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six interceptions, and nine pass breakups.
The Westerfield, Indiana, native led Purdue with 104 tackles (70 solo) while adding six PBUs and a sack in 2024 — a lone bright spot in what was a forgettable season for the program.
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A three-star recruit in the 2023 class, Thieneman was ranked the No. 13 player in Indiana and chose Purdue over schools like Indiana and Minnesota, following in the footsteps of his older brothers, Brennan and Jacob.
As the transfer portal reopens on Dec. 9, Thieneman’s consistent production and playmaking ability make him one of the most coveted safeties on the market.
Louisville Cardinals
Thieneman was Jeff Brohm’s eighth recruit in the 2023 class before the HC departed for the Louisville Cardinals job. Is a reunion on the horizon?
Brohm has turned the Cardinals into a powerhouse in the ACC, going 10-4 in his debut campaign and 8-4 in 2024. With co-defensive coordinator Ron English — a specialist in developing secondary talent — Thieneman could find the perfect system to continue his growth while reuniting with the coach who first believed in his potential.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Dillon Thieneman. Caleb Downs. Who says no? Outside of opposing offenses, of course. There’s also a pre-existing connection in Columbus: Matt Guerrieri.
Guerreieri was the Indiana Hoosiers co-DC when they recruited Thieneman out of high school. Now, he’s the Ohio State Buckeyes safeties coach. With pressure mounting on Ryan Day’s shoulders, he’ll add as much talent as possible for another national championship push.
Florida State Seminoles
The Florida State Seminoles went from 13-1 to 2-10 this season, which will make recruiting that much more difficult for HC Mike Norvell. However, he just hired a secret weapon on defense: DC Tony White.
White was a potential head coach candidate due to the success he enjoyed as the Nebraska Cornhuskers DC, and he’ll have the chance to revive a struggling unit on one of the biggest stages. What better way to kick-start his efforts than to land arguably the No. 1 defensive prospect in the portal?
Indiana Hoosiers
What Curt Cignetti has done in his first year at Indiana is the ultimate recruiting pitch. If he’s able to retain Bryant Haines as DC through the next hiring cycle, there’s no reason the Hoosiers couldn’t run it back.
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The program also offers Thienemen the chance to remain in his home state and the Big Ten.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
If Marcus Freeman can guarantee he isn’t leaving for the NFL, there are few reasons Thienemen shouldn’t have the Notre Dame Fighting Irish high on his list. They checked in at No. 4 in the most recent College Football Playoff Rankings and have won double-digit games in all but one season since 2017.
Plus, Thienemen would have the chance to add his name to a growing list of elite safeties to come out of South Bend: Kyle Hamilton, Harrison Smith, Julian Love, and, currently, Xavier Watts.
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