WEST LAFAYETTE − Purdue football’s roster was decimated from the transfer portal, a combo effect of a 1-11 season and mostly wholesale changes on the coaching staff.
The new Boilermaker staff, led by Barry Odom, made quick work restocking the roster with its own plethora of players from the transfer portal.
Couple that with the small 2025 signing class Purdue added in December, which got some late additions with players Odom and company flipped from UNLV and the Boilers made quick patchwork.
The 2025 window hasn’t yet closed with the late National Signing Day period approaching.
Here’s what Purdue football fans should know:
More: Barry Odom turning over stones as he builds 2026 Purdue football recruiting class
When is National Signing Day in February?
National Signing Day is Wednesday, Feb. 5, which marks the start of the winter signing period. Players can sign anytime between Feb. 5 and April 1.
Odom has a scheduled press conference to discuss Purdue’s 2025 signing class on Feb. 5.
Is Purdue football expected to add any players to 2025 by National Signing Day?
Purdue coaches have been on the road recruiting, though the focus has been on the 2026 class and beyond with recent offers. However, the Boilers did add to the freshman roster this week.
Long snapper Justin Schmidt out of Thomas Jefferson High School in the Pittsburgh suburbs will join the 2025 class.
Fort Wayne linebacker Kimar Nelson originally committed to Purdue in November under its previous coaching staff, then reopened his recruitment three weeks later. Nelson is back in play for Purdue, taking an official visit to West Lafayette this weekend. Maxwell Barbee, a 2025 cornerback/receiver from Long Beach, Calif., also is visiting this weekend.
Purdue football 2025 recruiting class
∎ Mason Alnutt, DE, Buffalo, N.Y.
∎ Landon Brooks, DE, Muncie
∎ Vi’Naz Cobb, S, St. Louis
∎ Jon Grimmett, TE, Pauls Valley, Okla.
∎ Parker Meese, LB, Fayetteville, Ark.
∎ Garyt Odom, QB, Fayetteville, Ark.
∎ Zyntreacs Otey, CB, Franklin, Tenn.
∎ Ziaire Stevens, RB, Akron, Ohio
∎ Jaron Thomas, RB, Elkhart
∎ Justin Schmidt, LS, Pittsburgh
∎ Sam Steward, LB, Fort Wayne
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: When is February NCAA National Signing Day? What to know
