Connections to Big Ten rival deliver another transfer commit for Purdue football

WEST LAFAYETTE — The Purdue football staff's connection to Southern Cal's offensive players paid off twice in one day.

After securing a Monday morning commit from guard Micah Banuelos, the Boilermakers added another interior offensive lineman previously with the Trojans through the transfer portal.

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Makai Saina has signed with Purdue, according to a report by On3's Pete Nakos.

Saina was a 2024 Under Armour All-American but did not see the field in two seasons at USC.

Purdue portal tracker: Who's in, out for Boilers in 2026 transfer portal

The Arlington, Texas, native was 247Sports' No. 479 recruit nationally in the 2024 class and No. 33 among interior offensive linemen. When Saina signed with USC, current Purdue offensive coordinator Josh Henson was in the same role with the Trojans. Recently hired Purdue offensive line coach Zach Crabtree also was on USC's staff at the time.

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Makai Saina Purdue football transfer commit, USC ties, recruiting stats