Purdue football coach Barry Odom on roster building philosophy
Barry Odom now has the roster he’ll take into fall camp. How did Purdue build its 2025 roster and what’s next for the Boilermakers?
Purdue Athletics Communications
A second defensive back in five days has committed to play for the Boilermakers as the 2026 class has reached 10 members.
WEST LAFAYETTE — Emoni Smith was committed to Louisville for three months.
In April, Smith told the Cardinals he was reopening his recruitment.
That culminated with the 2026 defensive back verbally committing to Purdue football on Sunday following a weekend visit. He became the 10th member of Purdue’s 2026 recruiting class.
Smith, the Ohio Capital Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year last season at Westland (Ohio) High, is ranked as a three-star prospect, No. 786 nationally by On3’s industry rankings.
For Westland in the 2024 season, Smith recorded 91 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two interceptions at safety and also had six receiving touchdowns.
What Emoni Smith’s commitment means to Purdue football
Purdue’s secondary was left bare after the 2024 season, which included post-spring departures of Ty Hudkins, Earl Kulp and Luke Williams.
The Boilermakers turned over their entire secondary under new defensive backs coach Charles Clark through the portal, nabbing 11 transfers at cornerback and safety.
However, seven of those are entering their final season of eligibility and two others — Myles Slusher and Ryan Turner — have two years remaining.
First-year Purdue coach Barry Odom said during a meeting with reporters on Thursday, “We are a strong believer in high school recruiting.”
Smith becomes the second secondary target to commit in a span of five days, joining Dana Greenhow, who…
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Publish date : 2025-06-08 22:35:00
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