WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025
For the third straight week, Purdue showed flashes of promise but couldn’t piece together a complete performance. Under clear skies at Ross-Ade Stadium, the Boilermakers fell 43–27 to Illinois on Saturday, undone by a disastrous second quarter that flipped the game from competitive to out of reach.
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quarterback Ryan Browne (15) shows his excitement as Head Coach Barry Odom, Senior Linebacker Mani Powell (16), and Senior Offensive Lineman Jalen St. John (74) come out of the tunnel just before the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium
(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
Purdue opened well, moving the ball efficiently and striking first on a short Ryan Browne touchdown run. The sophomore quarterback looked confident early, finding quick rhythm with receiver Michael Jackson III, who hauled in 14 passes for 94 yards. Browne finished with 302 yards passing and two total touchdowns, leading an offense that showed poise despite the final score. “Offensively, we did some things we can build on,” head coach Barry Odom said afterward. “But we didn’t do enough in any other phase to win a Big Ten football game.”
Everything changed midway through the second quarter. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer carved up Purdue’s secondary with precision, connecting on deep balls to Hank Beatty, including a 62-yard touchdown that silenced the home crowd. Beatty ended the day with 186 yards receiving, while Altmyer posted a career-best 390 through the air. The Illini scored 27 points in that quarter alone, capitalizing on Purdue’s blown coverages and missed tackles. Even when the Boilermakers forced Illinois into field-goal situations, kicker David Olano was flawless, converting all five of his attempts.
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Football Head Coach Barry Odom in the Hammer Down Cancer t-shirt before Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Football Head Coach Barry Odom, Purdue University Sophomore Quarterback Ryan Browne (15), Purdue University Senior Offensive Lineman Jalen St. John (74), Purdue University Senior Wide Receiver Michael Jackson III (2), and Purdue University Sophomore Offensive Lineman Bradyn Joiner (55) run out of the tunnel just before the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quarterback Ryan Browne (15) gets past an outstretched University of Illinois Sophomore LB Jojo Hayden (30) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throwing deep during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Senior Wide Receiver Michael Jackson III (2) after a first down catch during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Running Back Antonio Harris (22) running out of the backfield during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Running Back Antonio Harris (22) gets past University of Illinois’ Junior LB Malachi Hood (45) during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Running Back Antonio Harris (22) dives for the pylon get past University of Illinois’ Junior DB Matthew Bailey (7) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quarterback Ryan Browne (15) comes out from the pile to celebrate a rushing touchdown in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Running Back Antonio Harris (22) celebrates with Purdue University Sophomore Quarterback Ryan Browne (15) after Browne scored during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quarterback Ryan Browne (15) celebrates with Purdue University Sophomore Offensive Lineman Ethan Trent (76) and other offensive lineman after scoring during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University “All-American” Marching Band members doing pushups after the Boilermakers scored during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: University of Illinois Senior QB Luke Altmyer (9) gets sandwiched between Purdue University Senior Linebacker Mani Powell (16) and Purdue University Sophomore Defensive Back Traveon Wright (17) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: University of Illinois Junior RB Kaden Feagin (3) gets a big hit from Purdue University Senior Linebacker Mani Powell (16)during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Junior Defensive End CJ Madden (8) shows his excitement and Purdue University Senior Defensive Back An'Darius Coffey (24) signals fourth down after the Boilers make a big stop during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Ross-Ade Brigade showing the Hammer Down Cancer body paint during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quarterback Malachi Singleton (3) tries to get past University of Illinois’ Senior DB Miles Scott (10) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: University of Illinois Senior WR Hank Beatty (80) makes a catch as Purdue University Sophomore Defensive Back Traveon Wright (17) tries to get back into position during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: University of Illinois Junior RB Kaden Feagin (3) gets raised in the air by University of Illinois’ Senior OL Melvin Priestly (58) after scoring a touchdown during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Wide Receiver Corey Smith (12) makes a catch in open space during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Wide Receiver Corey Smith (12) runs towards the end one during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Wide Receiver Corey Smith (12) scores a touchdown as University of Illinois’ Senior WR Alexander Capka-Jones (7) cannot catch him during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Senior Linebacker Mani Powell (16) celebrates a stop during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: University of Illinois Senior QB Luke Altmyer (9) gets sacked by Purdue University Senior Defensive Lineman CJ Nunnally IV (91) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Running Back Antonio Harris (22) stiff arms University of Illinois Junior DB Matthew Bailey (7) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Running Back Antonio Harris (22) takes a knee and points to the sky after scoring a touchdown during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Senior Defensive Back Myles Slusher (9), Purdue University Senior Defensive Back Tahj Ra-El (21) and Purdue University Senior Defensive Lineman CJ Nunnally IV (91) celebrate a big stop during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Junior Offensive Lineman Hayden Timosciek (54) gets close to blocking the punt by University of Illinois’ Senior P Keelan Crimmins (40) but gets stopped by University of Illinois Sophomore DL Pat Farrell (52) and University of Illinois Redshirt Freshman DL Demetrius John (54) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Senior Linebacker Mani Powell (16) gets the crowd going during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Golduster Ashley Welt getting the crowd going during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Defensive Lineman Demeco Kennedy (18) stands over University of Illinois Senior QB Luke Altmyer (9) after a big sack during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Defensive Back Smiley Bradford (1), and Purdue University Junior Defensive Back Ryan Turner (12) celebrate a sack during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Senior Defensive Back Tahj Ra-El (21) has a chance for an interception as the ball gets past University of Illinois Senior WR Hank Beatty (80) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: University of Illinois Senior QB Luke Altmyer (9) throwing a pass to University of Illinois Junior WR Hudson Clement (13) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: University of Illinois Junior WR Hudson Clement (13) makes a circus catch during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: A well dressed student in the Purdue University Ross-Ade Brigade during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throwing a deep pass during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Wide Receiver Nitro Tuggle (0) trying to get past University of Illinois Senior DB Miles Scott (10) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Sophomore Wide Receiver Nitro Tuggle (0) diving for the end one while University of Illinois Junior WR Ashton Hollins (2) tries to tackle him during the Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: Purdue University Senior Wide Receiver Michael Jackson III (2) tries to catch a pass while being defended by University of Illinois Junior DB Jaheim Clarke (6) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 4, 2025: University of Illinois Sophomore RB Ca'Lil Valentine (5) running past Purdue University Sophomore Defensive Lineman Demeco Kennedy (18) in Purdue Boilermaker Football vs University of Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium(Photo by Steve Bowen / Northern Indiana Sports Report)
The Boilermakers fought to regain momentum before halftime, cutting into the deficit with a 60-yard strike from Browne to Corey Smith that momentarily breathed life into the stadium. Running backs Devin Mockobee and Antonio Harris chipped in with second-half rushing scores, but every time Purdue seemed to make progress, Illinois answered. The Illini’s ground game, led by Kaden Feagin’s two touchdowns, provided the balance that Purdue’s defense simply couldn’t stop.
Defensively, Purdue struggled to generate pressure and gave up too many explosive plays. The tackling issues that surfaced against Notre Dame returned, and Illinois took advantage of soft edges and missed assignments. “We’ve got to stop giving away big chunks,” Odom said. “You can’t play catch-up forever. At some point, you have to get stops.”
Despite the loss, Purdue’s offense continued to show it can compete with almost anyone on the schedule. The issue remains consistency — long drives too often stalled with penalties or missed throws, while the defense has yet to find answers for sustained drives. The Boilermakers dropped to 2–3 overall and 0–2 in Big Ten play, a frustrating start for a team that has moved the ball well but hasn’t capitalized when it matters.
As the Illini celebrated with the reclaimed Cannon Trophy, Purdue players walked slowly off the field, fully aware that their issues are fixable — but time is slipping. The message from Odom afterward was blunt but hopeful: “We’ve got talent. We’ve got effort. Now it’s about finishing. That’s what good teams do.”
