Coach Odom has indeed been on a whirlwind journey this week. Arriving late on Sunday night, he immediately got to work by meeting with the team on Monday. A press conference followed on Tuesday, and then he dedicated Wednesday to one-on-one sessions with the remaining 40+ players. All this while he was trying to navigate the complex world of the transfer portal and hire a new staff. With the portal open for just over two more weeks, Purdue still has a significant amount of work ahead of them.

Why December 18th Matters

This is a major date to keep in mind as UNLV plays in the LA Bowl against Cal. After the bowl game, we can expect immediate staff announcements and UNLV players entering the transfer portal. It seems that Coach Odom wants to show respect to UNLV by allowing their staff to coach in the game and their players to play. This is in stark contrast to the treatment Jeff Brohm gave Purdue just over two years ago, which ended in a blowout bowl game.

Offensive Needs

Quarterback: Purdue has lost their top three options as they enter the Odom era. Hudson Card is set to graduate, Marcos Davila and Ryan Browne have entered the transfer portal. While Davila and Browne could potentially return to lead the quarterback room, it remains uncertain. Bennett Meredith is still on the roster according to Purdue Athletics, and incoming freshmen Garyt Odom and Sawyer Anderson should provide much-needed depth.The losses in the quarterback position are significant. Hudson Card's graduation leaves a void, and the departures of Marcos Davila and Ryan Browne add to the uncertainty. But Purdue has some young talent on the roster with Bennett Meredith, Garyt Odom, and Sawyer Anderson. These players will need to step up and develop into reliable quarterbacks for the team.On Roster:Bennett Meredith - JuniorGaryt Odom - FreshmanSawyer Anderson - FreshmanCarson Kitchel - Walk-On - RS FreshmanThe offensive line is also set to lose all 5 starters from the 2024 season. Mbow is clearly an NFL-caliber player, Hartwig has been a 4-year starter, Moussa has been solid but inconsistent, Griffin is graduating, and Wingfield is also leaving. This leaves a lot of work to be done with this group. However, there are some pieces in place. Joey Tanona, Bakyne Coly, and Josh Sales Jr should all be in the mix to become veteran starters during the 2025 season.The losses in the offensive line are substantial. Losing Mbow, Hartwig, Moussa, Griffin, and Wingfield will require a significant rebuilding effort. But Purdue has some young talent like John Randle Jr, Rod Green, Jordan King, Jimmy Liston, Max Parrott, Jaden Ball, Jaekwon Bouldin, and Joshua Sales Jr who will need to step up and develop into reliable offensive linemen.Tight End: Arguably the biggest loss on offense is Max Klare. He is ranked as the #1 Transfer Portal Tight End according to 247 Sports. He led Purdue in yards, receptions, and touchdowns. Losing Drew Biber as a depth piece also hurts, and Tayvion Galloway, a 4-star freshman who took a redshirt, is still in the portal. Max Klare visited Texas yesterday. George Burhenn can easily lead this group but is coming off an injury. He is an electric athlete.The tight end position has taken a hit with the departures of Max Klare, Drew Biber, and Tayvion Galloway. Max Klare's departure is a significant loss as he was a key contributor in terms of yards, receptions, and touchdowns. George Burhenn will need to step up and lead the tight end group, but his injury may pose a challenge.On Roster:George Burhenn - JuniorLuke Klare - RS Freshman (Walk-On)James Hardy - RS Freshman (Walk-On)Jon Grimmett - Freshman (UNLV Flip)

Defensive Needs

Defensive Line: Purdue is set to lose 4 contributors from the 2024 roster. Brevard, Helft, M’Ba, and Sillah are all moving on, with Heldt visiting some major SEC and Big Ten Programs in the transfer portal. Purdue has some bodies on the roster, but for a defense based on a 4-3 scheme, are they the right types of bodies? Omonode is sure to find his way on the field as he has done for three seasons now. Chops Harkless could be a solid nose in a 4-3 scheme, and could CJ Madden and Trey Smith hold down the defensive end spots? There are a lot of questions within this group, but there are bodies and even veteran bodies.The losses in the defensive line are significant. Losing Brevard, Helft, M’Ba, and Sillah will require a significant rebuilding effort. But Purdue has some players like Trey Smith, CJ Madden, Joe Strickland, Demeco Kennedy, Demarjhe Lewis, Jamarius Dinkins, Caleb Irving, Mo Omonode, Jamarrion Harkless, and Drake Carlson who will need to step up and develop into reliable defensive linemen.On Roster:Trey Smith - RS SophomoreCJ Madden - JuniorJoe Strickland - JuniorDemeco Kennedy - RS FreshmanDemarjhe Lewis - SeniorJamarius Dinkins - SeniorCaleb Irving - RS FreshmanMo Omonode - SeniorJamarrion Harkless - RS SophomoreDrake Carlson - RS SophomoreLandon Brooks - FreshmanRashad Jones - FreshmanLinebacker: In a 4-3 defense, you usually want a thumper in the middle. Jenkins could have been ideal in that role, but he is moving on, as is Yanni Karlaftis who may have been exposed a bit this year. But there are three starting spots for a linebacker in the new base 4-3 scheme, and there are just five linebackers on the roster. There will need to be some additions to this group. Davis could fit as a thumper in the middle as he is over 240 pounds now. Of the group, I like Berglund the most as he is a solid athlete with the potential to play the “SAM” role. Meese was a solid flip from UNLV to Purdue.The linebacker position is in need of some reinforcements. Losing Kydran Jenkins and Yanni Karlaftis leaves some holes in the middle and at the edge. But there are some players like Winston Berglund, Owen Davis, Hudson Miller, Parker Meese, and Sam Steward who will need to step up and develop into reliable linebackers.On Roster:Winston Berglund - RS SophomoreOwen Davis - RS SophomoreHudson Miller - JuniorParker Meese - FreshmanSam Steward - Freshman