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

4 days ago 2

WEST LAFAYETTE — The Purdue football team is looking to improve upon its one-win improvement in the first year of the Barry Odom era.

Three junior college All-Americans have joined the 2026 recruiting class, though technically by way of the transfer portal. Defensive lineman Jeremy Lewis Jr. and safety Dax Noles announced they're joining Odom's program from Iowa Western Community College, as did Northwestern Oklahoma A&M safety Ta'Vari Hamilton.

A former top-80 recruit committed to the Boilers out of the transfer portal in running back Jerrick Gibson from Texas.

Then there were a number of Boilers players who tested the transfer portal waters but withdrew their names to return. Most of the returnees, whether in the portal or not, used the #OnAMission2026 hashtag on social media.

Here's a look at who is leaving Purdue in the transfer portal, and who the Boilers are bringing in:

USC offensive lineman Micah Banuelos commits to Purdue football in transfer portal

The Boilers have four starters to replace on the offensive line, and there is familiarity between Micah Banuelos and Purdue's staff. Banuelos will join Purdue with three seasons of eligibility and having worked with offensive coordinator Josh Henson and first-year offensive line coach Zach Crabtree should bring continuity.

Here's more on Banuelos:

2nd commit: Purdue football adds transfer lineman with Big Ten starting experience

Texas running back Jerrick Gibson commits to Purdue football in transfer portal

Josh Henson's offense got a big piece for the 2026 season with the commitment of Texas running back Jerrick Gibson. He was rated the No. 198 transfer and No. 22 running back by Rivals, which out of high school rated Gibson No. 117 nationally out of high school. He chose Texas over Miami, Florida, Georgia and others.

Gibson ran for 377 yards on 78 carries and four touchdowns, with three catches for 25 yards during the 2024 season. Gibson redshirted last season. Here's what to know about Gibson:

1st commit: Ex-Top 100 recruit gives Purdue football needed boost at running back

Jerrick Gibson #9 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball in the fourth quarter against Aaron Gates #13 of the Florida Gators at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Players committing to Purdue football in the transfer portal

Player	Position	Stats	Prev. school
Jerrick Gibson	RB	78 car., 377 yards, 4 TDs (in 2024, redshirt 2025)	Texas
Micah Banuelos	OL	Over 400 snaps	Southern Cal

Purdue football players entering the transfer portal

Player	Position	2025 stats	New school
Arhmad Branch	WR	14 rec., 212 yards, 2 TD
Chalil Cummings	CB	3 tackles, 2 PBU
Carson Dean	LB	3 games
Jamarrion Harkless	DT	13 tackles, 2.5 sacks
Jimmy Johnsen	OL	DNP
Bradyn Joiner	C	Started all 12 games
Demeco Kennedy	DT	21 tackles, 3 TFL, 1.5 sacks
Jaheim Merriweather	RB	5 games, 2 car., 4 yards
Marcus Moore	DT	2 tackles
Hank Purvis	OL	11 games, 7 starts at guard
John Randle Jr.	OL	2 games
Alex Sanford Jr.	LB	46 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 FR
Malachi Singleton	QB	59.4%, 439 pass yds., 5 TD, 2 INT; 202 rush yds., 1 TD
Justin Schmidt	LS	DNP
Sterling Smith	S	12 games, 3 tackles
Joey Sumlin	LB	DNP
Jaron Thomas	RB	2 carries, 15 yards	Minnesota
Nitro Tuggle	WR	34 rec., 500 yards, 4 TD
Rico Walker	TE	9 rec., 100 yards