Purdue AD Tommy McClelland Takes Shot At Indiana During Introductory Press Conference

Purdue AD Tommy McClelland Takes Shot At Indiana During Introductory Press Conference

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Purdue AD Tommy McClelland Takes Shot At Indiana During Introductory Press Conference

Purdue University introduced new athletic director Tommy McClelland today and the Boilermakers' new AD made it clear quickly that he's going after arch-rival Indiana.

At his introductory press conference, McClelland declared that the goal of the Boilermakers is to win championships and anyone who doesn't share in that goal can "go to Indiana" instead.

"We are here to win championships. If you don't want to win championships, go to Indiana," McClelland said.

Bold, But Unwise

Given the state of Purdue and Indiana, fans immediately mocked McClelland for trying to act like Purdue is the title-winning giant and Indiana is still the Big Ten punching bag. Many fans believe that McClelland is cruising for a bruising this coming season.

"Dude just guaranteed a 70+ point loss in the Oaken Bucket game if Cig sees this," one user wrote in response.

"Thomas you just earned your team an absolute slaughtering in Bloomington this fall. What an absolute clown 😂 Somehow found a way to make Purdue worse than they already are at everything besides blowing it in March Madness. That’ll continue though don’t worry," wrote another.

"And just like that Indiana is going to keep their starters in all game. 77-0," a third wrote.

"Maybe he’s not a big football guy ? Even then, Indiana was a blue blood type program in bball with multiple ‘chips. Interesting burn here."

"Yepp… football season hasn’t even started and this will be the dumbest thing said all year by someone not named Dabo."

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti hoists the National Championship trophy in the air after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It's hard to overstate just how much Indiana has lapped Purdue on the football field specifically. For years Indiana ranked as the program with the most losses in college football history.

But in just two years with Curt Cignetti, Indiana has gone 27-2 and won a national championship. During that same span, Purdue has taken up the mantle of the worst football team in the Big Ten, going just 3-21 and 0-18 in the conference.

Obviously Purdue has more sports than just football. Their basketball team continues to exceed Indiana's, which isn't something that could have been said decades ago.

But until Purdue really shows up in at least one of the major sports, they're going to be seen as the laughingstock and the doormat of the Big Ten.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Aug 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos