Purdue football transfer portal tracker: Latest news, developments

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WEST LAFAYETTE − The first of the college football transfer portal’s 15-day window came and went.

For Purdue football, there was more good news than bad.

Several key components of the Boilermaker roster took to social media to post, “#OnAMission2026 Boiler Up” announcing their intent to return for the 2026 season.

Additionally, linebackers Winston Berglund and Owen Davis and safety D’Mon Marable, who all said they’d enter the transfer portal when it opened on Jan. 2, had a change of heart and announced they’ll be returning to Purdue.

One Boilermaker did quickly find a new home. Jaron Thomas, who played late in the season as a true freshman in 2025, will transfer to Minnesota, reports On3’s Pete Nakos.

While Purdue has its own list of probably exits, the Boilermakers were busy delving through the portal and have already offered multiple players and lined up visits for others. Notables include Penn State linebacker Kari Jackson, Michigan State receiver Evan Boyd, Appalachian State defensive lineman Dylan Manuel, Lehigh receiver Mason Humphrey, Southern Miss linebacker Chris Jones, Elon edge rusher Kahmari Brown and UCLA cornerback Jamir Benjamin. Gold and Black’s Dub Jellison reports Texas running back Jerrick Gibson is expected to visit Purdue.

The following players from Purdue’s 2025 roster have announced their intent to enter the transfer portal.

Purdue football players entering the transfer portal

PlayerPos.2025 impactNew school
Smiley BradfordDB30 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 INT
Arhmad BranchWR14 rec., 212 yards, 2 TD
Chalil CummingsCB3 tackles, 2 PBU
Owen DavisLBDNP
Carson DeanLB3 games
Jamarrion HarklessDT13 tackles, 2.5 sacks
Jimmy JohnsenOLDNP
Demeco KennedyDT21 tackles, 3 TFL, 1.5 sacks
Jaheim MerriweatherRB5 games, 2 car., 4 yards
Marcus MooreDT2 tackles
Hank PurvisOL11 games, 7 starts at guard
John Randle Jr.OL2 games
Alex Sanford Jr.LB46 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 FR
Malachi SingletonQB59.4%, 439 pass yds., 5 TD, 2 INT; 202 rush yds., 1 TD
Justin SchmidtLSDNP
Sterling SmithS12 games, 3 tackles
Joey SumlinLBDNP
Jaron ThomasRB2 carries, 15 yardsMinnesota
Nitro TuggleWR34 rec., 500 yards, 4 TD

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue football transfer portal tracker

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