WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025
The Barry Odom era at Purdue University is officially off to a roaring start. From the opening whistle, it was clear this was a different Boilermaker team. The offense, under the direction of sophomore quarterback Ryan Browne, was methodical. On the very first possession of the game, Browne orchestrated a lightning-quick two-play, 72-yard drive that culminated in a stunning 49-yard touchdown pass to a streaking Arhmad Branch. The play, which took a mere 36 seconds off the clock, sent an immediate jolt of energy through the stadium and set the tone for the remainder of the contest.
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Redshirt Freshman Wide Receiver Jesse Watson (10) getting pumped up before the game at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium (Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
"We wanted to come out and be aggressive," Browne said in a post-game press conference. "Arhmad ran a great route, and I just had to put it out there for him. To get that first one on the board so quickly, it was a huge confidence booster for the entire team."
Browne, who finished the day with an impressive 311 yards passing and two touchdowns on 18-of-26 attempts, was the undisputed star of the show. He displayed a remarkable command of the offense, connecting with seven different receivers and demonstrating a poise in the pocket that belied his sophomore status. His performance was particularly noteworthy for its efficiency and lack of mistakes; Browne did not throw an interception and managed the game with the savvy of a seasoned veteran.
But the offensive success was far from a one-man show. Senior running back Devin Mockobee was a workhorse out of the backfield, grinding out 59 tough yards on the ground and adding another 45 through the air, including a crucial 4-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that extended Purdue's lead to 21-0. The drive, a methodical 13-play, 91-yard march, showcased the Boilermakers' ability to control the line of scrimmage and impose their will on the opposition."That's our brand of football," commented Coach Odom after the game. "We want to be physical at the point of attack. Devin ran hard, and the offensive line did a fantastic job of creating running lanes all afternoon.
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Redshirt Freshman Wide Receiver Jesse Watson (10) getting pumped up before the game at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Offensive Lineman Bradyn Joiner (55) running onto the field just before the game at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Ball State University R-Sr. QB Kiael Kelly (1) before the coin toss at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Running Back Antonio Harris (22) catching the kickoff at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Wide Receiver Arhmad Branch (6) running towards the end zone as Ball State University So. DB Eric McClain (4) gives chase at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Wide Receiver Arhmad Branch (6) running towards the end zone as Ball State University So. DB Eric McClain (4) gives chase at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Wide Receiver Arhmad Branch (6) eludes tacklers Ball State University So. DB Eric McClain (4) and Ball State University R-So. DB Jahmad Harmon (10) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) dropping back to pass at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) passing in the 1st quarter of the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) getting the snap at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) looking at the RPO options before handing off to Purdue University Senior Running Back Devin Mockobee (45) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) rolling out at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) rolling out at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) rolling out at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) and Purdue University Junior Tight End Rico Walker (17) celebrating a touchdown at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) trying to elusde Ball State University R-Jr. DB Ashton Whitner (7) and Ball State University R-Sr. LB Joey Stemler (21) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Senior Defensive Back Myles Slusher (9) calling defensive signs at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Running Back Antonio Harris (22) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Ball State University R-Sr. QB Kiael Kelly (1)slides to avoid the hit by Purdue University Senior Defensive Back An'Darius Coffey (24) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Ball State University R-Sr. QB Kiael Kelly (1) rolling out to pass at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Ball State University R-Jr. RB Qua Ashley (9), being tackled by Purdue University Junior Defensive Back Ryan Turner (12) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Ball State University R-Jr. RB Qua Ashley (9) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Ball State University R-Sr. QB Kiael Kelly (1) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Ball State University Football Head Coach Mike Uremovich surprised at a call by the referees at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Defensive Back Hudauri Hines (4) after a 3rd down stop at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Senior Running Back Devin Mockobee (45) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Senior Running Back Devin Mockobee (45) running down the sideline at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Senior Running Back Devin Mockobee (45) bracing for the hit by Ball State University R-Sr. DB Muheem McCargo (16) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Ryan Browne (15) looking down the field at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Wide Receiver Nitro Tuggle (0) weraves through traffic as Ball State University R-So. DB Derek "DJ" Fields (15) gives chase at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Senior Wide Receiver EJ Horton Jr. (13) catches the pass as Ball State University R-Jr. DB Roman Pearson (5) tavckles him at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Ball State University R-Sr. QB Kiael Kelly (1) gets thrown to the ground by Purdue University Junior Linebacker Alex Sanford Jr. (10) at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - AUGUST 30, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quaterback Malachi Singleton (3) falls into Purdue University Freshman Wide Receiver Jalil Hall (9) as he is being tackled by Ball State University R-Sr. LB Jackson Wiegold (18). Ball State University R-So. DB Avery Stuart (8). Hall sufferred a broken leg on this play at Purdue Boilermaker Football vs Ball State Football at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the offensive performance was the emergence of new weapons in the passing game. Georgia transfer Michael Jackson III made an immediate impact in his Purdue debut, hauling in a game-high six receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown. His 14-yard scoring grab in the third quarter was a thing of beauty, a perfectly thrown ball from Browne that Jackson III snagged in the back of the end zone. Branch, not to be outdone, finished with 101 receiving yards on just three catches, his big-play ability providing a constant threat to the Ball State secondary.
While the offense was busy lighting up the scoreboard, the Purdue defense was quietly putting together a masterpiece of its own. The Boilermaker defensive unit was suffocating, holding the Cardinals to a paltry 203 yards of total offense and a goose egg on the scoreboard. The front seven was particularly dominant, registering four sacks and seven tackles for loss.
In a game where Purdue was favored, it was the manner of the victory that was impressive. The Odom era has begun, and if this first game is any indication, Purdue fans have a lot to be excited about.
