Purdue Basketball: The 2025-26 Season is a High-Stakes Gamble Where Only a National Championship Will Suffice for a Fanbase Hungry for Glory and Tired of Near Misses

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Purdue Basketball: The 2025-26 Season is a High-Stakes Gamble Where Only a National Championship Will Suffice for a Fanbase Hungry for Glory and Tired of Near Misses

The 2025-26 ‘BTPowerhouse Season Preview’ series will take an in-depth look at all 18 teams in the Big Ten heading into the 2025-26 season with analysis on each program’s previous season, roster overhaul, and top storylines. Each post will also include predictions on each team’s postseason potential.

Purdue enters the 2025-26 season as the top-ranked team in the preseason polls, with the return of Big Ten Player of the Year and Bob Cousy Award winner Braden Smith, alongside seniors Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer. This trio, coupled with a mix of transfers, an international prospect, and another season of experience from the 2024 recruiting class, positions Purdue as the strongest team they’ve fielded since the days of Zach Edey. With such talent, the Boilermakers have a legitimate chance to make a deep run back to the Final Four this spring.

Last Season

After a remarkable run to the national championship game in 2023-24, the Boilermakers were expected to undergo a rebuilding phase last season. While there was an expectation of postseason play, the Boilermakers managed to surprise many in 2024-25.

The season began with ups and downs, highlighted by significant wins against second-ranked Alabama and a ranked Ole Miss, but also marred by double-digit losses to Penn State and second-ranked Auburn. Purdue found its footing with an impressive 11-1 stretch, featuring victories over Oregon, Michigan, and Indiana. However, a four-game losing streak in February and an early exit from the Big Ten Tournament left a sour note on the regular season.

Despite these challenges, Purdue showcased resilience in the NCAA Tournament, winning two games and coming agonizingly close to defeating national runner-up Houston in the Sweet 16. A controversial no-call on an offensive foul that could have swung the game in Purdue’s favor loomed large in the aftermath. Ultimately, a team that was largely dismissed without Edey made a deeper tournament run than many anticipated at the season’s outset.

Roster Outlook

The Purdue roster will see some new faces, but the core trio remains intact. Braden Smith is expected to once again anchor the backcourt, returning after a junior season where he averaged 15.8 points and 8.7 assists per game, shooting 38.1% from three-point range. Senior Fletcher Loyer, who averaged 13.8 points and shot 44.4% from beyond the arc last year, complements Smith. While Loyer can be a defensive liability, his shooting prowess ensures he retains a starting role.

There is significant interest in the contributions of international prospect Omer Mayer, who is expected to provide Smith with much-needed rest, especially given that Smith logged an average of 37 minutes per game last season, often playing the entirety of close contests.

Purdue’s frontcourt presents an intriguing dynamic. Trey Kaufman-Renn, who played the five last year due to Daniel Jacobsen’s season-ending injury, is expected to shift to the four position, partnering with Jacobsen and transfer Oscar Cluff. Cluff, who averaged 17.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game last season, was a major acquisition for the Boilermakers via the transfer portal. How often head coach Matt Painter opts to utilize two bigs remains uncertain, but shifting Kaufman-Renn to a more traditional role should enhance depth in the frontcourt.

The competition for the final starting spot is also noteworthy. C.J. Cox is likely to get the first opportunity after averaging 6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season, hitting 39.8% from three. However, Cox has struggled with consistency and low volume, necessitating a more assertive offensive approach this winter. Gicarri Harris is another returning guard who has yet to fully capitalize on his potential, and with the transfers of Myles Colvin and Camden Heide, both Cox and Harris will have increased opportunities to contribute.

Omer Mayer, initially set to back up Smith, has generated speculation about a possible starting role. If Mayer is intended to relieve Smith, careful management of rotations will be essential. Painter has also brought in Liam Murphy, who shot 42.3% from three on 7.7 attempts per game at North Florida, adding another layer of shooting depth.

Freshman Antione West Jr. remains a potential redshirt candidate, while Jack Benter will be eligible after redshirting last season. Forward Raleigh Burgess is also expected to redshirt unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

Notable Departures

The Boilermakers have seen some departures that will impact their depth. Myles Colvin, who averaged 5.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, and Camden Heide, who contributed 4.7 points and 3.6 rebounds, are among the notable losses. Caleb Furst and Will Berg, while less impactful statistically, also vacate roster spots that will need to be filled.

Incoming Transfers

Purdue has bolstered its roster with incoming transfers, including center Oscar Cluff from South Dakota State, who averaged 17.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on an impressive 63% shooting percentage. Forward Liam Murphy joins from North Florida, contributing 13 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, with a notable 42% shooting from three-point range.

Incoming Freshmen

The Boilermakers are also welcoming two four-star recruits: shooting guard Antione West Jr. and point guard Omer Mayer, both of whom are expected to contribute to the program’s success.

Notable Returning Players

Purdue’s returning core is formidable. In addition to Smith and Loyer, C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris will need to step up their games. Daniel Jacobsen, who averaged 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds, will also be a key component of the frontcourt alongside Kaufman-Renn and Cluff.

The Schedule

Purdue’s schedule is a rigorous one, designed to challenge the team early and prepare them for the rigors of conference play and the NCAA Tournament. The season kicks off on November 4 against Evansville and features matchups against Oakland, Alabama, and a trip to the Bahamas for the Baha Mar Championship, where they will face Memphis and potentially Texas Tech or Wake Forest.

Home games against Iowa State and Marquette, along with a high-profile rematch against Auburn in Indianapolis, will provide further tests. The early months will be crucial, with the team needing to establish momentum before facing a challenging Big Ten slate that includes road games against Wisconsin, Indiana, and UCLA.

Purdue’s league schedule begins favorably, with matchups against Rutgers and Minnesota in December. However, a daunting stretch in mid-January features six road games, testing the team’s depth and resilience. The subsequent three-game home stretch against Michigan, Indiana, and Michigan State will be pivotal in determining their standing in the conference.

Biggest Obstacle

One of the most significant challenges facing Purdue this season is the management of expectations. With the weight of being the top-ranked team, the pressure to perform will be immense. Questions surrounding the rotation loom large, particularly regarding the development of Cox and Harris as they take on larger roles. Their ability to increase offensive production will be crucial, as failure to do so may force Painter to seek alternatives.

The potential combination of Kaufman-Renn and Cluff in the starting lineup raises concerns about spacing and offensive flow. If the two bigs struggle to coexist, it could lead to a congested lane that hampers Purdue’s offensive efficiency.

The pressure to succeed is compounded by the recent history of the program. Purdue has consistently performed well in the regular season, yet a few disappointing exits in the NCAA Tournament have left lingering doubts. The memory of a narrow defeat in the Sweet 16 against Houston, a game that could have gone differently, adds to the urgency of this season.

Realistic Expectations

As the top-ranked team entering the season, Purdue’s expectations are clear: contend for a Big Ten title, secure a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, and make a significant run into April. While winning the Big Ten and earning a high seed is crucial, the ultimate goal of capturing a national championship looms large in the minds of fans and players alike.

The returning talent, combined with new additions and a stable coaching staff, positions Purdue favorably in the race for another Big Ten title and a high tournament seed. Anything less than a deep postseason run would be viewed as a disappointment, further intensifying the scrutiny on the program as they aim for glory in 2026.

The 2025-26 ‘BTPowerhouse Season Preview’ series will take an in-depth look at all 18 teams in the Big Ten heading into the 2025-26 season with analysis on each program’s previous season, roster overhaul, and top storylines. Each post will also include predictions on each team’s postseason potential.

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Purdue enters the 2025-26 season as the top ranked team in the preseason polls and return Big Ten Player of the Year and Bob Cousy Award winner Braden Smith, as well as seniors Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer. The trio, mixed with a mix of transfers, an international prospect and another season of experience for the 2024 recruiting class gives Purdue the best team they’ve had since Zach Edey was still on campus and a legitimate chance to make a run back to the Final Four this spring.

Last Season

After a run to the national championship game in 2023-24 the Boilermakers were expected to be in a bit of a rebuild last season. While the expectation was they would still find a way to the postseason, it’s safe to say the Boilermakers surprised quite a few people in 2024-25.

The Boilers got off to an up-and-down start during the first two months of the season, with wins against second ranked Alabama and a ranked Ole Miss highlighting a stretch that included a double digit loss to Penn State and 18 point loss to second ranked Auburn. Purdue righted the ship with a 11-1 stretch that included wins over Oregon, Michigan and Indiana. A four game losing streak in February and an early exit in the Big Ten Tournament didn’t lead to the regular season ending on a high note, though.

Purdue ended up with another solid run in the NCAA Tournament, winning two games and coming a single shot away from beating national runner-up Houston in the Sweet 16. A questionable no-call on an offensive foul that would have given Purdue the chance to win at the end of regulation loomed large but when everything was said and done a Purdue team that was largely discredited without Zach Edey made a much deeper push into March than many expected heading into the season.

Roster Outlook

The Purdue roster has a handful of new faces but the core trio will largely remain the same. Braden Smith will once again anchor the backcourt, coming back after a junior season where he averaged 15.8 points and 8.7 assists per game while hitting 38.1% from three. Alongside Smith will be fellow senior Fletcher Loyer, averaging 13.8 points and shooting 44.4% from three last year. Loyer can be a bit of a defensive liability at times, but as long as he can continue to hit from range he will likely remain in the starting lineup. There’s a lot of interest in what international pro Omer Mayer will contribute, but the hope is he will at least allow Braden Smith to get some rest down the stretch. Last year Smith ended up playing 37 minutes per game and was routinely on the floor for the duration of most close games.

Purdue’s frontcourt could be interesting as Trey Kaufman-Renn played the five last year in response to Daniel Jacobsen suffering a season ending injury in the second game of the season. Kaufman-Renn has the size to play the five but the expectation is he’ll shift to the four, set to play alongside Jacobsen and transfer Oscar Cluff. Cluff averaged 17.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game last season and was a big get for the Boilers in the portal. It remains to be seen how often Painter will play two bigs inside, but if Purdue ends up shifting Kaufman-Renn to the role he played last season they’ll at least have considerably more depth in the frontcourt.

The more interesting thing to keep an eye on is who will end up rounding out the starting lineup. C.J. Cox will get the first crack after averaging 6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season and hitting 39.8% from three. Cox disappeared at times and was relatively low volume, so Painter will need more production from the 6’3″ sophomore. Gicarri Harris also returns and was also another low usage guard that Purdue will need more out of this winter. With Myles Colvin and Camden Heide both transferring out the duo will have more opportunities.

Omer Mayer is initially set to backup Smith but there has been some speculation he could end up starting at some point. If the intent is for Mayer to spell Smith and allow the senior some time to rest, though, they may need to stagger the rotations if that happens. Painter also added Liam Murphy in the portal, with the senior hitting 42.3% from three on 7.7 attempts per game with North Florida.

Also in the mix will be freshman Antione West Jr., who still remains a potential redshirt candidate. Jack Benter will be eligible after taking a redshirt last season, while forward Raleigh Burgess is set to redshirt unless something forces him into action.

Notable Departures

  • G Myles Colvin (5.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 31% 3PT)
  • F Camden Heide (4.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 39% 3PT)
  • F Caleb Furst (4.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG)
  • C Will Berg (1.8 PPG, 1.3 RPG)

Incoming Transfers

  • C Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State | 17.6 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 63% FG)
  • F Liam Murphy (North Florida | 13 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 42% 3PT)

Incoming Freshmen

  • 4-Star SG Antione West Jr.
  • 4-Star PG Omer Mayer

Notable Returning Players

  • G C.J. Cox (6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 40% 3PT)
  • G Gicarri Harris (3.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 31% 3PT)
  • C Daniel Jacobsen (6.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG)
  • F Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 60% FG)
  • G Fletcher Loyer (13.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 44% 3PT)
  • G Braden Smith (15.8 PPG, 8.7 APG, 4.5 RPG, 38% 3PT)

The Schedule

  • 11/4 – Evansville
  • 11/7 – Oakland
  • 11/13 at Alabama
  • 11/16 – Akron
  • 11/20 – Memphis (Baha Mar Championship – Bahamas)
  • 11/21 – Texas Tech or Wake Forest (Baha Mar Championship – Bahamas)
  • 11/28 – Eastern Illinois
  • 12/2 – at Rutgers
  • 12/6 – Iowa State
  • 12/10 – Minnesota
  • 12/13 – Marquette
  • 12/20 – Auburn (Indy Classic – Indianapolis)
  • 12/29 – Kent State
  • 1/3 – at Wisconsin
  • 1/7 – Washington
  • 1/10 – Penn State
  • 1/14 – Iowa
  • 1/17 – at USC
  • 1/20 – at UCLA
  • 1/24 – Illinois
  • 1/27 – at Indiana
  • 2/1 – at Maryland
  • 2/7 – Oregon
  • 2/10 – at Nebraska
  • 2/14 – at Iowa
  • 2/17 – Michigan
  • 2/20 – Indiana
  • 2/26 – Michigan State
  • 3/1 – at Ohio State
  • 3/4 – at Northwestern
  • 3/7 – Wisconsin
  • 3/10-15 – Big Ten Tournament (Chicago)

Matt Painter has consistently scheduled up and that trend will continue once again this season. A week into the season Purdue will travel south to once again face Alabama, while their early season trip to the Bahamas will see them face Memphis and then either Texas Tech or Wake Forest. Also included on the schedule are home games against Iowa State and Marquette, as well as a rematch against Auburn in Indy the week before Christmas. The first two months will provide plenty of tests and obstacles for Purdue and Painter is once again hoping to prep his team for March.

Purdue does draw a favorable start to league play with Rutgers and Minnesota in December and a five game start in 2026 that should see Purdue favored in every game outside of possibly a road trip to Madison against Wisconsin. There is an eight game stretch starting in mid-January that includes six road games, including at UCLA and Indiana, and is immediately followed by a three game home stretch against Michigan, Indiana and Michigan State. The schedule does Purdue no favors but it should help people find out if Purdue is for real or not this season.

Biggest Obstacle

Managing expectations.

There’s some rotation questions heading into the season, with the big one being if Cox and Harris can step up in their sophomore seasons with an expected higher usage rate. Either way both players need to be more active on the offensive side of the ball or Painter could be forced to turn elsewhere. It also remains to be seen just how well a starting five with both Kaufman-Renn and Cluff inside will be, with the chance of potential clogging the lane.

While the rotation will likely get worked out as the season gets under way, the massive expectations will put a lot of pressure to perform this season. Purdue and company have largely met those expectations for awhile now, at least when it comes to performance in the regular season. A few bad losses in the NCAA Tournament have been wiped from recent memory after a run to the title game two seasons ago and a narrow defeat in the Sweet 16 to the national runner-up last March.

Realistic Expectations

Entering the season as the top ranked team the expectations are relatively simply: contend for a Big Ten title, contend for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament and make a run into April. Winning the Big Ten and earning a top seed will of course be secondary to success in the postseason, with more fans looking ahead to the possibility of a title in 2026.

This team has a ton of returning talent, a ton of incoming talent and one of the most consistent coaching staffs in the nation. That alone should put this Purdue team in the race for another Big Ten title and high tourney seed. At this point anything else would be a massive disappointment. 

Big Ten Prediction: 1st Place

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