A look ahead to where Purdue football goes in recruiting the 2027 class
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Purdue football’s lone addition for the 2026 late signing period could have the biggest impact of any first-year player.
Jacobo Echevarria Lozano could be the Boilermakers’ primary place kicker as a freshman. The programs has already announced all other high school, junior college and transfer additions for the coming season.
Rather quickly, then, attention will turn to Class of 2027 recruiting and the next stage of what Barry Odom is building.
Bastrop (Texas) receiver Dallas Crescenzo became Purdue’s first – and so far, only – 2027 commit in October. The three-star prospect, No. 709 in the Rivals industry rankings, became an early pickup at a position of significant need.
A look at some of the other potential themes and major targets for 2027:
Can Purdue make a 2027 breakthrough at quarterback?
Obviously the national trend has been to find a transfer quarterback who is blocked elsewhere or trying to level up. That option may become more available to Purdue again if it starts winning this season.
At the same time, the old method still works, too. Of the 12 Big Ten programs who reached the College Football Playoff or bowls last season, four did so with high school signees. In two other cases — Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. — the transfer came only weeks into their start at another school. For all practical purposes, those are more equivalent to decommitments/flips.
So that would mean half the Big Ten reached the postseason with home-grown development.
Barring unusual circumstances, Purdue will take a quarterback in every class. Looking ahead to 2028, it has already made strong inroads with Center Grove’s Oscar Sloan, a three-star, top-200 prospect.
Quarterbacks, though, typically commit earlier than other players. Three top-150 prospects Purdue offered have already committed. It would not be a surprise if the next 2027 pledge comes from that position.
Lombard (Illinois) Montini Catholic’s Israel Abrams has been a priority target. Most of the Big Ten and SEC are chasing the top-50 prospect, the No. 3 quarterback in the Rivals industry rankings.
Excluding transfers, the last quarterback ranked in the top 250 who signed with the Boilermakers and played snaps was Brady Allen (Class of 2022). The last who started a game? Danny Etling in the Class of 2014.
Landing a player of that caliber can boost an entire recruiting class. It gives a rebuilding program credibility and attracts other skill position talents who want to play with elite quarterbacks.
Purdue remains in the mix for several others in this class, including Columbus (Ohio) St. Francis de Sales QB RJ Day. The son of Ohio State coach Ryan Day is a three-star prospect ranked No. 833 overall. Syracuse and Boston College are the most prominent of his other non-MAC offers.
Which in-state prospects could Purdue football add for 2027?
Only four of the 21 players signed during the early period in December hailed from Indiana. That could grow as the staff’s connections in the state do.
Odom’s staff quickly offered Fort Wayne North athlete Maalik Moore (three stars, No. 455) in December 2024. Also a basketball player, he totaled 792 yards and 13 touchdowns on 53 receptions as a receiver last season. He also intercepted four passes in each of the past two seasons.
Andrean linebacker Ethan Reyna (three stars, No. 768) has been a frequent visitor over the past two seasons. The 6-foot, 220-pound prospect was just back on campus for Junior Day. His 105 tackles for last year’s Class 2A state champions included seven for loss.
Purdue was the first Power Four program to offer Ben Davis cornerback Keontay Toomer. Missouri later reportedly offered, and more could follow with his prospect status still rising. Others still picking up momentum include Brownsburg defensive linemen Dami Sowunmi and Warren Central running back Keyon Thomas.
Purdue has also been in the mix for several standouts currently considered leans to other programs. They include Lawrence North receiver Monshun Sales (five stars, No. 8), New Palestine tight end Mason Oglesby (four stars, No. 273), Warren Central linebacker Sean Fox (three stars, No. 327) and Franklin Central edge Jayce Brewer (three stars, No. 339).
Which regional and national prospects is Purdue football pursuing for 2027?
With a boost from assistant linebackers coach Neal Renna, Odom made the Chicago area a recruiting priority. It landed three offensive or defensive linemen for the 2026 signing class.
Abrams is not the only notable Chicago-area prospect Purdue is pursuing for 2027. Others to know include LaGrange Park (Nazareth) edge Chris Kasky (three stars, No. 405), St. Rita defensive lineman Ohimai Ozolua and Bolingbrook running back TJ Lewis.
Cincinnati-area Winton Woods has turned out some notable prospects, including current Boiler receiver Tra’Mar Harris. Among 2027 prospects on Purdue’s radar are offensive lineman Lual Aleu (three stars, No. 496) and running back Isaiah Garrett (three stars, No. 794).
Utah athlete Tytan DeJong (three stars, No. 703) could be the best name in the class. Michigan, Utah and BYU are among the other programs reportedly pursuing the 6-3, 215-pound linebacker and receiver. Purdue offered last month.
One position in need of some long-term prospects is tight end. Cookeville (Tennessee) Upperman’s Colton Johnson has begun to add more power conference interest and offers, including from the Boilers.
The coaching staff’s connections out west will continue to be a factor in high school and junior college recruiting as well as the portal. Los Angeles Orange Lutheran receiver Chris Flores Jr. has national interest and already visited last season for the USC game.
Purdue is among an offer list nearing 20 for Louisville Atherton defensive lineman Zai’Vion Meads. Competition is similarly deep for Jonesboro (Arkansas) Valley View running back Carter Wallace.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football recruiting prospects for 2027 class on national signing day
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