With the 2025 college football season on the horizon, anticipation is building in West Lafayette. The Purdue Boilermakers and head coach Barry Odom are preparing for the upcoming season.
With a schedule that includes historic rivalries and high-profile conference showdowns, fans are asking: Can Purdue step up and have a bounce-back season?
List 2025 Purdue Boilermakers Opponents
The 2025 schedule for the Boilermakers includes a well-balanced schedule of non-conference and Big Ten matches. Below is a review of their opponents:
- August 30:
vs Ball State - September 6:
vs Southern Illinois - September 13:
vs USC - September 20:
at Notre Dame - October 4:
vs Illinois - October 11:
at Minnesota - October 18:
at Northwestern - October 25:
vs Rutgers - November 1:
at Michigan - November 8:
vs Ohio State - November 15:
at Washington - November 29:
vs Indiana
The Boilermakers will kick off their season with a trio of home games, starting with in-state rival Ball State on August 30. This matchup will offer Purdue a chance to set an early tone. The following week, they host Southern Illinois on Sept. 6.
This will mark only the second meeting between the two programs. Fans were pretty much thrilled by their last encounter in 2014, which resulted in a 35-13 Purdue victory.
The non-conference schedule gets hot with a big-game affair against USC on Sept. 13. This is going to be special since it represents USC’s first appearance at Ross-Ade Stadium since 1976.
The Boilermakers and the Trojans together share a rich history. And with Purdue’s 14-13 Rose Bowl victory over USC in the 1967 Rose Bowl being one notable instance.
Hard, Smart, Tough
The Purdue Way pic.twitter.com/YB4FUIl0qi
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) March 26, 2025
Purdue’s initial road test will be on Sept. 20 against Notre Dame in the Shillelagh Trophy battle. This rivalry, which started in 1896, has had Notre Dame dominating the series.
Following a bye week on Sept. 27, the Boilermakers will enter Big Ten action. They will welcome Illinois on Oct. 4 in a battle for the desirable Cannon Trophy. The following are two consecutive road games against Minnesota on Oct. 11. And the other will be Northwestern on Oct. 18.
Back home, they will play Rutgers on Oct. 25, looking to make the most of home-field advantage.
An away contest at Michigan on Nov. 1 will be preceded by a home battle with big-time Ohio State on Nov. 8. The Boilermakers then make the cross-country trip to meet Washington on Nov. 15. After this matchup, the team will provide an added dimension to their schedule.
Following a second bye week on Nov. 22, Purdue will wrap up the regular season. It will be against their traditional rival, Indiana, on Nov. 29, with the Old Oaken Bucket on the line.
Purdue’s 2025 schedule is a mix of challenges and opportunities. The season-opening homestand is a chance to generate momentum, particularly with the showcase game against USC. Historically, the Boilermakers have been split against the Trojans, so this could be a statement game.
Odom, coming into his first season at Purdue, is keenly aware of the challenges.
“We have a tough schedule, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to showcase what Purdue football is all about,” Odom said. “Our focus is on preparation and execution, taking each game one at a time.
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Fans are also hopeful but realistic when it comes to the outlook for the season.
“It’s a tough lineup, sure,” seasoned fan Jenna Matthews said. “But with the new coaching staff and some talented prospects, I think we might surprise a few clubs this year.”
The 2025 season will be a defining chapter for Purdue football. With a balanced schedule featuring historic rivalries, tough conference foes, and special challenges, the Boilermakers have plenty of chances to make their mark.
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