Purdue Football: Who will remain on offense?

More than 20 players have entered the portal, more than a dozen seniors have graduated, and Coach Odom is likely waiting until the UNLV Bowl Game is over before announcing most of his staff and visitors to the portal.

Expect Odom and his Boilers to have an active weekend in the portal with players and officially hiring his staff.

So what's left on the offensive side of the ball?

Not a whole lot, but let's see who has a scholarship at Purdue.

Quarterback:

1. Bennett Meredith-Junior
2. Garyt Odom – Freshman

Thoughts: Purdue needs bodies here. First and foremost, Coach Odom needs a starting quarterback. Meredith was fourth on the depth chart last season, behind Card, Browne and Davila. His son, while a solid prospect, is not a starter as a true freshman.

So, who will Purdue go after? It's hard to say: is there a relationship with Matthew Sluka after the NIL misunderstanding last season? Or do they have bigger fish in their sights? Either way, they need to spend some serious money on the position and need at least a starter and another backup to feel comfortable entering the season.

Running back:

1. Devin Mockobee senior
2. Jaheim Merriweather – Sophomore
3. Jaron Thomas – Freshman
4. Ziare Stevens – Freshman

Thoughts: This is perhaps the best group currently on the roster, and there is a good chance that Coach Odom will add to the backfield. Talented freshman Greg Burrell has entered the portal for the Runnin Rebs, could he find his way to West Lafayette?

Coach Odom said having the ability to run the ball will open up the vertical passing game for the Boilermakers. It's hard to argue with that logic, and if so, Purdue will have to add an agency or two to this group.

Wide Receiver:

1. Arhmad Branch – Sophomore
2. DeNylon Morrissette-Junior
3. C.J. Smith – Junior
4. Jesse Watson – RS Freshman
5. Shamar Rigby – Sophomore
6. Ryne Shackelford – Sophomore
7. Donovan Hamilton – RS Freshman

Thoughts: This is an interesting group with high potential. I'm not entirely sure there is a lock that could be a wide receiver, but there is potential. CJ Smith was supposed to be the guy in the passing game this past season, but then he tore his hamstring. Rigby had valuable playing time and has the potential to be a solid wide receiver for Purdue.

Branch is a speedster and he pulled himself out of the portal after meeting with Coach Odom, which gives me hope he could be a productive member of the offense. Hamilton was Mr. Football for the Wide Receiver position at Indiana State during the 2023 season before enrolling at Purdue.

I'm sure there will be additions to this group, but I like some of the pieces already here.

Tight end:

1. George Burhenn-Junior
2. Jon Grimmett – Freshman

Thoughts: This position was absolutely gutted this offseason when Max Klare entered the portal and Drew Biber came in and committed to Minnesota. Now, Purdue has two tight ends on its roster. Burhenn is a legitimate breakout option, but Grimmett shouldn't see the field as a true freshman.

Odom will need to enter the portal at this position group to ensure there is quality depth and likely someone who can be considered an additional starter with Burhenn.

Offensive line:

1. John Randle Jr – RS Freshman
2. Rod Green – Senior
3. Jordan King – RS Freshman
4. Jimmy Liston – Sophomore
5. Max Parrott – RS Freshman
6. Jaden Ball – RS Freshman
7. Jaekwon Bouldin – Senior
8. Joshua Sales Jr. -Senior
9. Bakyne Coly – Senior
10. Joey Tanona Junior

Thoughts: Purdue is losing all five of its 2024 Offensive Line starters, with three graduating, one turning pro early and another transferring to Louisville. Like the wide receiver group, there are pieces here to like.

Starting with Joey Tanona, the former four-star prospect and Notre Dame Commit should be the team's best offensive lineman next year. Rod Green and Jaekwon Bouldin came to Purdue from Junior College and both are huge people, they dealt with injuries last season, but I also like their play as interior helpers.

The last staff always spoke highly of Bakyne Coly, who is 6-7 and extremely athletic. Could he make a splash as a starter?

Besides the quarterback, the offensive line is the most sought after transfers, Purdue will have to commit a few in the portal and hope to make it big.