The Purdue Boilermakers begin their 2025 campaign with renewed optimism and a clear mission to rebound from a frustrating 4–8 season that was riddled with close losses, offensive inconsistency, and an underwhelming 5–7 record against the spread. Year two under head coach Ryan Walters is expected to look more polished as the team has had a full offseason to solidify both its offensive identity and defensive schemes, particularly with new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell installing an up-tempo, pass-centric attack tailored to quarterback Hudson Card’s strengths. Card, who transferred from Texas last year, showed poise and accuracy in spurts but needs to improve his deep ball and red zone decision-making if Purdue is going to be more than a middle-tier Big Ten squad. His supporting cast is vastly improved, with leading receiver Deion Burks returning alongside breakout candidate Mershawn Rice, and a stable of backs led by Tyrone Tracy Jr., who offers explosiveness in both rushing and passing situations. The offensive line, once a liability, now looks more formidable thanks to the addition of several transfers and a maturing core group that has had time to gel. Defensively, Purdue still aims to be aggressive, leveraging its 3-4 base and emphasizing pressure from hybrid edge players like Nic Scourton, who could be one of the Big Ten’s top pass rushers this season.

The linebacker group is deeper and more athletic than in 2024, with Elijah Ball leading as the emotional center of a unit that struggled at times with open-field tackling and coverage breakdowns. The secondary remains a work in progress but has gained experience, and cornerbacks Jamari Brown and Markevious Brown (no relation) are expected to play bigger roles in locking down opposing receivers. Purdue’s special teams have also been bolstered, with punter Jack Ansell returning and kicker Julio Macias expected to take over placekicking duties after an impressive spring showing. Against Ball State, the Boilermakers are heavily favored and rightly so given their superior depth, athleticism, and experience playing against Power Five competition. However, the coaching staff has repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting every opponent and not taking this in-state matchup lightly, especially considering how often early-season games can produce upsets if focus waivers. The game plan is likely to involve establishing offensive rhythm early through short-to-intermediate passes, using tempo to wear down the Cardinals’ defense and forcing mismatches in coverage. Defensively, Purdue will look to dominate the line of scrimmage and get Ball State into third-and-long situations where they can unleash pressure packages and force errant throws. While the Boilermakers have their sights set on Big Ten play and breaking into the upper half of the conference standings this year, they understand that setting the tone starts with a convincing Week 1 performance, particularly at home in front of a restless fan base eager to see progress. If Purdue plays clean football, minimizes turnovers, and executes as expected, they should not only win but do so convincingly, building needed momentum for the tougher schedule ahead.