Old National Presents: The 3-2-1 Review of Spring Showcase

Three things learned. Two questions. One bold statement. It’s The 3-2-1, a look at Purdue’s Spring Showcase.

Three things learned

1 – Ryan Browne looking good

The play-calling was super basic on Saturday. But, Purdue’s QB1 was very clean with his reads and execution. I’ve been to every open practice this spring–and during the entirety of Browne’s Purdue career–and I think he was really consistently clean this spring

On Saturday, Browne made some good reads and delivered some nice passes, while also showing his trademark speed on a heftier/bulkier frame. (Remember: Browne wasn’t on campus for spring ball last year, as he was at North Carolina playing for Bill Belichick. Being a part of spring ball can’t be overstated.)

What has Odom seen from No. 15?

“Consistency and the understanding of playing smart football from that position,” he said.

Added OC Josh Henson: “The biggest thing is decision-making. Before you take the big shot, you’ve got to hit the easy ones—be efficient, move the ball, take what’s there. He’s doing a much better job of that. He’s smarter with where he takes his shots. There’s still work to do, but his growth has been very encouraging.”

2 – Improved across the board

Look, last year’s team basically was put together on the fly–built as the plane was being flown. Barry Odom really had no other choice during a trying maiden voyage, as he inherited a program in disarray.

The churn was unreal as the roster was flipped. To wit: Purdue’s 83 newcomers were the most in the nation, with a stupefying 46 of those coming in the spring portal window. In all, 52 of the newbies came via the portal in 2025. It was absolutely bananas.

The roster tumult wasn’t as radical this offseason, with 29 portal additions and three JC transfers. Overall, Purdue’s 2026 roster has 53 newcomers when you factor in freshmen. The staff put extra emphasis on players with more than one season of eligibility remaining, as just 11 of Purdue’s transfers are listed as seniors.

Stability is settling in as Odom preps for this second lap as Boilermaker coach. And that has allowed him to cultivate a culture.

“We’ve got a strong staff and support system across the board,” said Odom. “There’s alignment, vision, and clear messaging. I’ve had a lot of fun putting this team together—staff and players—and what they’ve done since January.”

3 – George is A-OK

George Burhenn’s injury history has been well-documented. He’s only played in 19 of a possible 33 games during his career. He’s played just eight total the last two seasons.

But, No. 81 looked good all spring–and stayed healthy, which was not the case last spring. Could Burheen emerge as one of the top tight ends in the Big Ten?

“He certainly can be,” said Henson. “He’s got a great skill set—can run and catch. But to be an every-down tight end, he’s got to keep improving as a blocker. He’s working on it, and that’ll be key for him going forward.”

Two questions

1 – Best WR not here yet?

There is a yawning (or is yearning) need for an alpha receiver.

Staffers have noted the play of transfer wideouts Xavier Townsend (Iowa State) and Asaad Waseem (Florida Atlantic).

“The guys who stood out this spring are No. 19 (Waseem) and No. 3 (Townsend),” said Henson. “Some others have been limited due to injuries, but we feel good about that group and their ability to make explosive plays.”

But maybe the best portal receiver isn’t on campus yet: Bisi Owens.

The 6-4, 215-pound Owens will be one of Purdue’s biggest wideouts when he arrives in May from Penn, where he is finishing up classes at the Ivy League school.

The fifth-year senior caught 138 passes for the Quakers for 1,664 yards and 11 TDs. He’s coming off his best season, making 66 grabs in 2025 for 696 yards and five TDs.

Owens isn’t the only wideout set to arrive later this spring. JC transfer Ricky Sampson (6-4, 210) and freshman Jojo Johnson (6-4, 180) also will get here, adding even more size.

2 – What part of defense stood out this spring?

The line? Linebackers? Secondary?

“I think the front has stood out,” said DC Kevin Kane. “There’s a lot of experience there—guys who’ve played a lot of football—and we’ve got really good depth. That allows us to rotate and stay fresh.

“At linebacker, we’ve built good depth with the additions we made. The secondary has continued to improve each week, with some young guys stepping up. Overall, the front has been the most consistent so far.”

The No. 1 line on Saturday had CJ Madden and Trey Smith on the edges with Ian Jeffries and Curt Neal inside. But TJ Lindsey will take Neal’s spot once he is fully cleared as he eases back from an ACL injury.

One bold statement: Jeremy Lewis is player to watch

Who? Jeremy Lewis, that’s who.

He flew under the radar among the raft of portal additions this winter, arriving in West Lafayette from an Iowa junior college. But the d-end has made an impression.

“Jeremy Lewis just got here but has shown real ability to get after the quarterback—he’s got a burst you don’t see often,” said Kane.

Time and again, his name has come up as a player who was impressing all spring. The 6-4, 255-pound St. Louis native flashed off the edge and could be the pass rusher this defense needs with CJ Nunnally gone.

Keep No. 33 on your radar.