Purdue basketball, which dominated the Big Ten for several years, faced a setback during the 2024-25 season. The team was impacted significantly by a severe leg injury to 7-foot-4 rising star Daniel Jacobsen. Despite this challenge, the Boilermakers managed to remain in the top six of the Big Ten standings.
Purdue Basketball 2025-26 Preview: The Year to Shine
With the return of Jacobsen and senior point guard Braden Smith to West Lafayette, Purdue is setting its sights on competing for the championship once more.
Team Composition
Smith aims to break the Big Ten’s all-time assists record currently held by former Michigan State player Cassius Winston, being just 132 assists away. With returning teammates like Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn, he has ample opportunities to achieve this goal.
🫣 Sheesh. Long range 🎯. – @FletcherLoyer pic.twitter.com/6vB4R7nnsI
— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) October 1, 2025
Although the departures of Myles Colvin and Camden Heide will be felt, Purdue has successfully restructured its roster. A healthy Jacobsen, combined with South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff, forms an impressive frontcourt, with Cluff averaging 17.6 points and 12.3 rebounds last season.
Additional Players to Consider
Key players include: Liam Murphy (Transfer), Aaron Fine (RS-Freshman), Jack Benter (RS-Freshman), and a few others ready to step up in crucial moments.
Upcoming Schedule
Purdue head coach Matt Painter, known for challenging his teams, has lined up a formidable schedule for 2025-26. They kick off with an exhibition against Kentucky on October 4 and follow it with another against Evansville on November 4. The Boilermakers will also host non-conference games against teams like Oakland and Akron before heading to Alabama on November 13.
They’ll head to the Bahamas for the Baha Mar Championship over Thanksgiving, starting with a match against Memphis. Additionally, the Big Ten schedule promises exciting clashes including games against Iowa State, Marquette, and Michigan State, with the latter being an especially vital matchup following their previous season’s loss at Breslin.
Purdue’s performance against rivals like Indiana and their road trip to face both USC and UCLA will reveal their mettle. As the Big Ten appears open, the Boilermakers, stacked with talent, are positioned for a strong showing, making them a prime contender for the national title and a challenge for Smith as he vies for National Player of the Year honors.
