The Big Ten power rankings for 2025 don’t mince words when it comes to Purdue — and they’re not flattering. Most early projections have the Boilermakers hovering near the bottom of the conference. It was a spot uncomfortably familiar for a fanbase that’s seen more turbulence than triumph lately.
But behind the bleak headlines lies a fascinating two-pronged story: one about radical transformation and the other about survival in one of college football’s toughest gauntlets.
Purdue’s Power Ranking Questions: Can Barry Odom Reverse the Tide in 2025?
In short, if Purdue wants to climb out of the Big Ten cellar, it’ll need two things to click — a complete cultural and roster overhaul under new head coach Barry Odom and the resilience to weather an absolutely brutal schedule. Let’s now analyze the two factors:
When Barry Odom was hired in December 2024, the message was clear: Purdue was hitting the reset button hard. The Boilermakers were fresh off a disastrous 1–11 season, including an ugly 0–9 Big Ten finish. Morale was low, energy was lower, and the once-competitive vibes from the 2022 Big Ten West title run felt like a distant memory.
.@Coach_Odom is in the game 🎮 #CFB26 x #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/rGQO6ZpZvi
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) May 29, 2025
Odom arrives with a blueprint and receipts. In just two years at UNLV, he took the Rebels from irrelevance to 10–3 in 2024, including back-to-back Mountain West Championship Game appearances.
That 19–8 stretch was the best two-year run in UNLV’s FBS history. He built that success on a tough, accountable culture, a relentless defense, and a smart transfer portal strategy — all things Purdue desperately needs.
And so, the overhaul began. Odom has overseen one of the largest offseason makeovers in college football:
- 29 transfers join the program
- 11 high school signees round out the 2025 recruiting class
- Over 70 total roster changes, from outgoing transfers to walk-on adjustments
The transfer class includes both high-upside talent and instant-impact veterans. Names like CJ Nunnally IV, a sack machine from Akron (13 sacks, 26 TFLs over two seasons), and other Group of Five standouts are expected to compete right away.
Odom also brought in potential starting-caliber players from other Power Four programs, giving Purdue a rare chance to level the talent gap quickly.
Alongside Odom come two key hires:
- Josh Henson (Offensive Coordinator): Known for his time at USC and Texas A&M, Henson brings a balanced, motion-heavy offense that emphasizes QB efficiency and multiple sets.
- Michael Scherer (Defensive Coordinator): A rising star who previously worked under Odom at Missouri and UNLV, Scherer is tasked with tightening a defense that gave up nearly 35 points per game in 2024.
Odom’s approach is about more than Xs and Os. It’s about mentality. Early reports from spring practices emphasize competition, accountability, and resilience. Every position is open. Every snap matters. That alone is a huge departure from last year’s disjointed locker room.
One major win? Running back Devin Mockobee stayed. Entering his senior year, he’s Purdue’s most proven weapon. Despite a struggling offense in 2024, he posted 687 yards and 4 touchdowns, often carrying the ball behind a banged-up O-line.
Mockobee isn’t just a leader — he’s a tone-setter. If the new offense gets rolling, don’t be surprised if he crosses 1,000 yards in 2025.
Even if Odom’s magic works early, there’s one massive hurdle: Purdue’s 2025 schedule might be the toughest in the country. According to ESPN’s FPI, Purdue’s schedule ranks 23rd nationally and 1st among Big Ten teams.
Key 2025 Matchups:
- Sept. 13 vs. USC— The Trojans’ offensive firepower, even post-Caleb Williams, is elite.
- Sept. 20 at Notre Dame—One of the most physical, disciplined teams in the nation.
- Nov. 1 at Michigan— A CFP finalist still loaded with blue-chip depth.
- Nov. 8 vs. Ohio State— The Buckeyes are in reload mode, not rebuild mode.
- Nov. 15 at Washington—Jedd Fisch’s up-tempo system with breakout QB Demond Williams Jr.
There are no easy weeks, even among “middle-tier” opponents. Purdue’s crossover matchups don’t offer many favors, and while games against Indiana, Northwestern, and Maryland might look winnable on paper, those are programs with more continuity and momentum.
Realistically, Purdue will need to steal a few games they’re not supposed to win and avoid slipping against evenly matched opponents just to sniff bowl eligibility. It’s easy to dismiss Purdue in early 2025 predictions. A 1–11 team, a new coach, a completely retooled roster, and a nightmarish schedule? Sure, it screams “rebuild.”
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