Purdue Boilermakers football

{{See also|List of Purdue Boilermakers football seasons}}

The Purdue University football team traces its origin back to October 29, 1887, when its team fell to Butler College by a score of 48–6 in Indianapolis, Indiana.{{cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pur/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/1887-1909.pdf |title=1887–1909: In the beginning … |publisher=Purdue University |work=www.grfx.cstv.com |access-date=April 5, 2013}} A group of students at Purdue University formed the school's first football team in 1887.{{cite web |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/bigten/purdue/coaching_records.php |title=College Football Data Warehouse Purdue Boilermakers coaching records |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |work=www.cfbdatawarehouse.com |access-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-date=February 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216144413/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/bigten/purdue/coaching_records.php |url-status=dead }} Albert Berg was hired as the coach. Despite being deaf, Berg was reportedly "the only man in the territory with any knowledge of the game."{{cite news|author=Paula Waltz|title=Berg used sign language for players: Purdue's first football coach a deaf-mute|newspaper=Journal and Courier, Lafayette, Indiana|date=September 13, 1980|url=http://my.gallaudet.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/ASLCurr/ASL-L1-curriculum/6th-Grade/Deaf-people-who-made-the-world-different-6th-grade.pdf|access-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822204757/http://my.gallaudet.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/ASLCurr/ASL-L1-curriculum/6th-Grade/Deaf-people-who-made-the-world-different-6th-grade.pdf|archive-date=August 22, 2011|url-status=dead}} Berg was 23 years old when he became Purdue's football "coacher."{{cite book|author=Fred D. Cavinder|title=More Amazing Tales from Indiana |url=https://archive.org/details/moreamazingtales0000cavi|url-access=registration|page=[https://archive.org/details/moreamazingtales0000cavi/page/47 47] |publisher=Indiana University Press|year=2003|isbn=0253216532}} He was paid $1 for each lesson he gave to the newly organized football team and had only one week to prepare the team for its first game.{{cite web|title=2008 Purdue Football Media Guide: Coaching History|year=2008|publisher=Purdue University |page=25 |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pur/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/1887-1909.pdf}}{{cite book|author=Robert C. Kriebel|title=Ross-Ade: Their Purdue Stories, Stadium, and Legacies|pages=33–39|publisher=Purdue University Press|year=2009|isbn=978-1557535221}} The 1887 Purdue team played its only game on October 29, 1887, against the Butler College team at Athletic Park in Indianapolis. Butler soundly defeated Berg's squad by a score of 48–6.[http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=157&year=1887 College Football Data Warehouse] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019010434/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=157&year=1887 |date=October 19, 2012 }} Purdue Boilermakers Football 1887 results After the loss to Butler, Purdue did not field a football team again until 1889.

File:1890 Purdue football team.png football team]]

In 1890, Clinton L. Hare became the third head football coach at Purdue. He coached the team that season to a record of 3–3. Purdue won each of its two home games in convincing fashion, shutting out Wabash, 54–0, on October 24 and Illinois, 62–0, on November 22. They also shut out DePauw in Greencastle, Indiana, 32–0. Purdue suffered its worst loss of the season on November 1 in Ann Arbor, falling to Michigan by a score of 34–6. Hare's squad also dropped their season opener in Chicago on October 18 to the Chicago University Football Club, 10–6, and their season finale on November 27 against Hare's former team, Butler, by a score of 12–10.{{cite web |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=973&year=1890 |title=Purdue 1890 |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |access-date=November 1, 2011 |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104111333/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=973&year=1890 |url-status=dead }} With their wins over DePauw and Wabash and their loss to Butler, Purdue tallied a 2–1 mark against their opponents from within the state of Indiana. Hare's team finished second place in the Indiana Intercollegiate Athletic Association to Butler, who beat all three of their in-state foes and was awarded the state championship.{{cite book |title=Debris 1891 |year=1891 |publisher=Purdue University |pages=147, 154 |url=https://archive.org/stream/debris1891purd#page/n154/mode/1up |access-date=November 2, 2011}} In 1891, Knowlton Ames became the head coach for Purdue, where he led the Boilermakers to a 12–0 record over two years.*{{cite journal | title=In the Beginning...| journal=Purdue Football 2008 | publisher=University of Purdue | year=2008 | pages=25 | url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pur/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/1887-1909.pdf}} In the fall of 1893, D. M. Balliet became the head football coach at Purdue. Balliet led the team to a 5–2–1 record in 1893 and 9–1 in 1894. During the 1894 season, Balliet's Purdue squad defeated Amos Alonzo Stagg's Chicago Maroons and outscored opponents by a collective score of 177–42.{{cite news|title=STAGG'S MEN BEATEN: PURDUE LAYS 'VARSITY LOW IN A GAME OF SHARP INTEREST|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=November 4, 1894|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/431613062.html?dids=431613062:431613062&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+04%2C+1894&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=STAGG%27S+MEN+BEATEN.&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131182328/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/431613062.html?dids=431613062:431613062&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+04,+1894&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=STAGG'S+MEN+BEATEN.&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|access-date=November 1, 2011}}{{cite web|title=1894 Purdue|publisher=College Football Data Warehouse|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=89&year=1894|access-date=November 1, 2011|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023112202/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=89&year=1894|url-status=dead}} His 1895 squad finished with a record of 4–3.{{cite web|title=Purdue Yearly Results|publisher=College Football Data Warehouse|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/bigten/purdue/yearly_results.php?year=1895|access-date=November 1, 2011|archive-date=April 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419070038/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/bigten/purdue/yearly_results.php?year=1895|url-status=dead}} In 1897, Balliet was reported to have given up a successful law practice to join the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska.{{cite news|title=In the Push|newspaper=The Weekly Argus News|date=July 31, 1897 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uhgnAAAAIBAJ&pg=4610,2660486&dq=balliet+purdue&hl=en|access-date=November 1, 2011}} Balliet was re-hired as the head coach at Purdue in September 1901.{{cite news|title=Short Sporting Notes|newspaper=Daily True American |date=September 9, 1901 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=s2pFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4860,530641&dq=balliet+purdue&hl=en|access-date=November 1, 2011}} He led the 1901 Purdue team to a 4–4–1 record but finished the season with consecutive losses to Notre Dame, Illinois, and Northwestern.{{cite web|title=1901 Purdue|publisher=College Football Data Warehouse|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=89&year=1901|access-date=November 1, 2011|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023112237/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=89&year=1901|url-status=dead}} At the end of the 1901 season, Purdue opted not to renew his services. In March 1902, the Indianapolis News reported, "He is known to be a good coach, but he turned out a loser last year and Purdue wants a change."{{cite news|title=College Notes|newspaper=The Daily News-Review|date=March 18, 1902 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=k5MnAAAAIBAJ&pg=4048,2643963&dq=balliet+purdue&hl=en|access-date=November 1, 2011}} In four seasons as Purdue's head coach, Balliet compiled a record of 22–10–2.{{cite web|title=All-Time Coaching Records: D.M. Balliet Records by Year|publisher=College Football Data Warehouse|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=89|access-date=November 1, 2011|archive-date=August 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823045839/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=89|url-status=dead}} On October 31, 1903, 14 members of the 1903 squad were killed in Indianapolis, Indiana when the train they were riding collided with a coal train.{{cite web | url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2019/10/31/retro-indy-1903-purdue-university-train-crash-killed-17/2492614001/ | title=Retro Indy: 1903 train crash killed 17 people on way to Purdue football game against IU }} The event became known as the Purdue Wreck. Purdue bounced around with many different head coaches until 1921, with most having little to no success coaching at Purdue. However, Purdue did hire Andy Smith (1913–15) and William Henry Dietz (1921), both of which would go on to become College Football Hall of Fame members.

For the 1922 season, Purdue hired Missouri Tigers football coach, James Phelan. Phelan lead the 1929 Boilermakers to a perfect 8–0 record and what is to date their only ever outright Big Ten Title. In 1925, Noble Kizer became an assistant coach at Purdue under Phelan and inherited the head coaching position upon Phelan's departure for the University of Washington. Mal Elward became head coach after serving as an assistant at Purdue from 1927 to 1936. He compiled a 16–18–6 record at Purdue. Elmer Burnham served as Purdue's freshman football coach for seven years before assuming the role as varsity head coach in 1942.{{cite web |url=https://select.nytimes.com/mem/archive/pdf?res=F40A13FA3F5A157B93C7A8178ED85F408485F9 |title=Coach Burnham is Signed: Former Purdue Mentor Will Serve at Rochester |date=May 14, 1944 |work=The New York Times |access-date=January 28, 2010}} Burnham's 1943 squad went 9–0 and shared the Big Ten Conference title with Michigan. The 1943 squad was the only undefeated team playing a full schedule in major college football, but finished third in the country per the AP Poll. This would seemingly be sufficient grounds for Purdue to claim a 1943 National Championship as the NCAA itself did not recognize champions in the era. However, Purdue has never pursued this claim. Cecil Isbell started out at Purdue as an assistant coach and took over as head coach in 1944. He coached there for three years with a 14–14–1 record. He was the first Purdue alumnus to become the head football coach.

During Stu Holcomb's tenure as Boilermakers head coach he compiled a record of 35–42–4. His best year was 1952 when he led the Boilermakers to a Big Ten Conference co-championship and a No. 18 ranking in the final poll. Despite having only a 4–3–1 overall record, Holcomb's team played well in conference with a 4–1–1 record. Holcomb's Purdue teams are, perhaps, best remembered for ending Notre Dame's 39-game unbeaten streak when his Boilermakers defeated the Irish, 28–14, in the second game of the 1950 season. Holcomb was known for developing solid quarterbacks including Bob DeMoss, Dale Samuels and Len Dawson. These players helped grow a strong tradition at Purdue of great quarterback play. On December 12, 1955, after his nine seasons at Purdue, Holcomb left Purdue to accept the athletic director position at the Northwestern University.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/12/10/archives/holcomb-resigns-as-purdue-coach-named-director-of-athletics-at.html | title=HOLCOMB RESIGNS AS PURDUE COACH; Named Director of Athletics at Northwestern – Plans Football Rebuilding | newspaper=The New York Times | date=December 10, 1955 }} Stu Holcomb oversaw the 1947 integration of Purdue's athletic teams after pressure from student led protests. It is hard to find any black athletes in the records before 1950 – where Herman Murray is first shown with the squad. Alongside Herman Murray, One of the most notable early black athletes is Lamar Lundy. Lundy was a two sport athlete who played center for the Purdue basketball team and defensive end for the football team. Lundy was extraordinary and achieved great deal of success during and after his collegiate years. He received the 1956 Purdue MVP award not even 10 years after athletic integration and received offers to play professional basketball and football after graduation. He ultimately chose football and played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1957 to 1969. Both Murray and Lundy were pioneers who paved the way for many young gentlemen.

On January 2, 1967, Jack Mollenkopf coached the school's first appearance in the Rose Bowl, leading Purdue to a 14–13 victory over USC. Against Purdue's in-state rivals, Mollenkopf tallied an 11–2–1 record versus Indiana and a 10–4 mark against Notre Dame. From 1966 to 1969, a Purdue player finished in the top three in balloting for the Heisman Trophy: quarterback Bob Griese was second in 1966, halfback Leroy Keyes placed third in 1967 and second in 1968, and quarterback Mike Phipps finished as runner-up in 1969. Mollenkopf's inaugural season in 1956 was the only losing campaign of his tenure as head coach at Purdue. Mollenkopf is Purdue's all-time leader in Big Ten Conference wins (58) and conference winning percentage (.637). His 84 wins at Purdue placed him first on the school's all-time wins list until Joe Tiller passed him in 2008, and he ranks fourth in overall winning percentage (.670). Mollenkopf's Boilermakers were nationally ranked for 80 weeks, the most under any Purdue head coach, and captured the No. 1 spot the first five weeks of the 1968 season.

Former Purdue player and assistant coach Bob DeMoss was promoted to head coach in 1970.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19700109&id=i5tRAAAAIBAJ&pg=5804,1478154 |title=Mollenkopf Replaced By Bob DeMoss |date=January 9, 1970 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=December 16, 2013}} DeMoss inherited a Purdue squad who was loaded at the running back position with Stan Brown, and Otis Armstrong, but the team struggled to find consistency out of its quarterback position.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1978&dat=19710825&id=klwiAAAAIBAJ&pg=4649,5711982 |title=Purdue '11' Could Be Powerful |author=Mike Harris |date=August 25, 1971 |newspaper=The Owosso Argus-Press |access-date=December 16, 2013}} DeMoss resigned following the 1972 season, citing his desire to be with his family more as his reason for stepping down.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19721205&id=xSAiAAAAIBAJ&pg=3552,663745 |title=DeMoss Resigns Purdue Job to Be With Family |date=December 5, 1972 |newspaper=The Day |access-date=December 16, 2013}} DeMoss compiled a career college football record of 13–18.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2706&dat=19721205&id=_gpbAAAAIBAJ&pg=1934,4561542 |title=DeMoss steps down as Purdue grid coach |date=December 5, 1972 |newspaper=The Michigan Daily |access-date=December 16, 2013}}

After nine seasons as the Northwestern coach, Alex Agase accepted an offer at the end of 1972 to become head football coach at Purdue, one of the two schools for which he played.{{cite news|title=Agase to coach Purdue|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lWctAAAAIBAJ&pg=1911,4428496&dq=alex+agase+purdue+coach&hl=en|access-date=October 12, 2012|newspaper=Tri City Herald|date=December 18, 1972 |agency=Associated Press|location=West Lafayette, Ind.|page=21}} Taking the job was "not an easy decision to make", he said at the time, because he was happy at Northwestern. Agase coached at Purdue through the 1976 season, but his team never posted a winning record in his years there.{{cite web |title=Alex Agase Records by Year|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=13|publisher=College Football Data Warehouse|access-date=October 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019073531/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=13|url-status=live|archive-date=October 19, 2012}} He was fired in early 1977 and took a job as athletic director at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.{{cite news|title=Eastern Is Expected To Sign Agase |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aAcuAAAAIBAJ&pg=2643,3154297&dq=alex+agase+eastern+michigan&hl=en|access-date=October 12, 2012|newspaper=The Argus-Press|date=February 9, 1977|agency=Associated Press|location=Detroit|page=16}} He stayed in that job until 1982, when he unexpectedly resigned citing "personal reasons".{{cite news|title=Agase Resigns As Eastern AD|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6pZaAAAAIBAJ&pg=4015,2412776&dq=alex+agase+eastern+michigan&hl=en|access-date=October 12, 2012|newspaper=Ludington Daily News|date=May 7, 1982 |agency=Associated Press|location=Ypsilanti, Mich.|page=8}}

In December 1976, Purdue hired 41-year-old Jim Young away from Arizona.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19761204&id=ikQiAAAAIBAJ&pg=3486,3035371 |title=Jim Young's Named New Purdue Coach |date=December 4, 1976 |newspaper=The Argus-Press |access-date=December 16, 2013}} When Young arrived at Purdue, he named true freshman, Mark Herrmann as the team's starting quarterback, and the freshman lived up to expectations, throwing for 2,041 yards through the team's first eight games.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19771104&id=XeAjAAAAIBAJ&pg=3558,2565002 |title=Pass Fits Purdue Mold |author=Tracy Dodds |date=November 4, 1977 |newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal |access-date=December 16, 2013}} Herrmann would break the NCAA record for passing yards (2,453) and passing touchdowns (18) for freshman.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19780819&id=qWEyAAAAIBAJ&pg=1140,4847655 |title=Purdue's Jim Young Seeks Balanced Attack |date=August 19, 1978 |newspaper=The Argus-Press |access-date=December 16, 2013}} In 1978, Young would lead Purdue to a 9–2–1 record, and a victory over Georgia Tech in the 1978 Peach Bowl. Young was named the Big Ten's Coach of the Year, the first Boilermaker head coach to ever win the award.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1964&dat=19781226&id=0qdUAAAAIBAJ&pg=1474,5224080 |title=Young Contends Victory Changes Purdue's Image |date=December 26, 1978 |newspaper=The Palm Beach Post |access-date=December 16, 2013}} Throughout his career, Herrmann would break the Big Ten's all-time career passing yards (6,734) and passing touchdowns (48) before his senior season.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19800831&id=ONIyAAAAIBAJ&pg=3030,6705851 |title=Who's No. 1? |date=August 31, 1980 |newspaper=Reading Eagle |access-date=December 16, 2013}} After a disappointing 1981 season, Young resigned from his position as head coach at Purdue, citing his desire to concentrate on athletic administration.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19811119&id=UtUcAAAAIBAJ&pg=5736,1021475 |title=Jim Young Calls It Quits As Purdue Football Coach |date=November 19, 1981 |newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press |access-date=December 16, 2013}}

In November 1981, defensive coordinator Leon Burtnett was promoted as Purdue's 30th head football coach.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19811123&id=08YyAAAAIBAJ&pg=2582,4326040 |title=Burtnett New Purdue Coach |date=November 23, 1981 |newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |access-date=December 16, 2013}} During the 1984 campaign, Burtnett's team posted its best season, which the highlight of the year was beating No. 2 Ohio State 28–23.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=799&dat=19841011&id=zrxPAAAAIBAJ&pg=2301,1442006 |title=Burtnett cheers Purdue to upset |date=October 11, 1984 |newspaper=The Bryan Times |access-date=December 16, 2013}} The 1984 squad's 7–4 record earned Burtnett the Big Ten's Coach of the Year Award.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19841204&id=IFwiAAAAIBAJ&pg=4369,2946420 |title=Burtnett Best In the Big Ten |date=December 4, 1984 |newspaper=The Argus-Press |access-date=December 16, 2013}} His success that year earned him a contract extension through 1990.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19821231&id=NiJOAAAAIBAJ&pg=4285,8395345 |title=Army picks Young |date=December 31, 1982 |newspaper=Star-News |access-date=December 16, 2013}} Burtnett's teams didn't improve after 1984, and after a 3–8 season in 1986, Burtnett resigned as head coach.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19861107&id=JrlPAAAAIBAJ&pg=5197,3466337 |title=Burtnett Decides To Give Up Purdue Coaching Post |date=November 7, 1986 |newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner |access-date=December 16, 2013}}

After Burtnett's dismissal, Purdue had verbally agreed to hire Ron Meyer as their next head coach.{{cite web |url=http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=422165 |title=Boilermaker Blast: Recruitin' Ron Meyer |author=Alen Karpick |date=June 3, 2005 |publisher=Yahoo! |work=www.rivals.com |access-date=December 16, 2013}} Prior to finalizing a deal with Purdue, the Indianapolis Colts called and offered Meyer a contract. Meyer accepted the Colts offer. After they were left in the cold by Meyer, Purdue hired former Texas head coach Fred Akers.{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19861211&id=VfBVAAAAIBAJ&pg=7088,2638988 |title=Purdue, Terps hire coaches |date=December 11, 1986 |newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard |access-date=December 16, 2013}} The Akers hiring caused starting quarterback Jeff George to transfer due to the Akers running style offense as opposed to Burtnett's passing offense. Akers coached his teams to only 12 wins in four years.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2457&dat=19901129&id=HOFQAAAAIBAJ&pg=3580,4901546 |title=Akers resigns Purdue football coaching post |date=November 29, 1990 |newspaper=Bangor Daily News |access-date=May 5, 2013}}

Jim Colletto was named Purdue's head coach in December 1990, accepting the position while he was serving the offensive coordinator for Ohio State.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1990/12/07/new-purdue-coach-plans-ahead/ |title=New Purdue Coach Plans Ahead |author=Bil Jauss |date=December 7, 1990 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 16, 2013}} Colletto came to Purdue with the goal of recruiting kids from the Chicago area, and keeping Purdue's quarterback tradition trending onward. During his introduction press conference, he stated that at practice field, he planned to install a small cemetery in which he would place a tombstone for every school Purdue upset or beat on the road.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/05/02/write-handed-the-way-the-cubs-broke/ |title=Write-handed: The way the Cubs broke loose for 21 runs... |author=Mike Conklin |date=May 2, 1991 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 16, 2013}} Colletto also provided up change on offense, as he brought his I formation with him from Ohio State.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/09/01/big-10-outlook-12/ |title=Big 10 Outlook |date=September 1, 1991 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 16, 2013}} During his first season as head coach, the Boilermakers improved winning two more games than they had the year before, and freshman tailback Corey Rogers was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

In 1992, Colletto lost Rogers to academic ineligibility, and was forced to use a new running back.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/08/26/purdues-rogers-ruled-ineligible/ |title=Purdue's Rogers Ruled Ineligible |date=August 26, 1992 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 16, 2013}} The Rogers suspension opened the door for what would become Purdue's all-time leading rusher, Mike Alstott.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1995/12/07/runner-up-alstott-ran-up-big-numbers-at-purdue/ |title=Runner-up Alstott Ran Up Big Numbers At Purdue |author=Andrew Bagnato |date=December 7, 1995 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 16, 2013}} In 1994, the Boilermakers got out to a 4–1–1 start, and were starting to gain national attention.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/10/22/purdue-revival-excites-former-star/ |title=Purdue Revival Excites Former Star |date=October 22, 1994 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 16, 2013}} With Rogers and Alstott leading the way out of the Purdue backfield, Purdue racked up 1,206 and 17 rushing touchdowns in 6 games. However Purdue stumbled down the stretch, finishing the season 0–4–1. Colletto resigned in November 1996.{{cite web |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-11-05/sports/9611050148_1_boilermakers-mike-alstott-indiana |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216183334/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-11-05/sports/9611050148_1_boilermakers-mike-alstott-indiana |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 16, 2013 |title=Purdue's Colletto 2nd Coach To Exit Big Ten Within Week |date=November 5, 1996 |work=Chicago Tribune |author=Andrew Bagnato |access-date=December 4, 2013}}

File:Joe Tiller.jpg, Purdue's all-time leader in victories (87).]]

Joe Tiller was hired by Purdue in 1997.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/11/23/wyomings-tiller-returning-to-purdue-as-new-head-coach/ |title=Wyoming's Tiller Returning To Purdue As New Head Coach |author=Boby Fischer |date=November 23, 1996 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 9, 2013}} Tiller inherited a program that had only had two winning seasons in the previous 18 years. However, the Boilermakers made an immediate splash in the second game of his rookie season with a nationally televised upset of Notre Dame. Tiller would go on to lead the Boilermakers to ten bowl berths in 12 years, most notably the 2001 Rose Bowl. Prior to Tiller's arrival, Purdue had played in only five bowl games, most recently the 1984 Peach Bowl. On September 20, 2008, in a game versus Central Michigan, Tiller won his 85th game at Purdue to become the winningest coach in school history, topping the previous mark set by Jack Mollenkopf (1956–1969).{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200809200035 | title=Sheets late TD lifts Purdue, 32–25 |publisher=Yahoo! |work=www.rivals.yahoo.com |date=September 20, 2008}} Tiller's "basketball on grass" offense was well renowned for its ability to score and score effectively, befuddling opposing defenses. This was especially the case when Drew Brees ran the team from 1997 to 2000. Tiller's Purdue squads were shut out only once, by Penn State, in a 12–0 defeat at Ross–Ade Stadium on October 28, 2006.

Tiller was the first coach to use the spread offense in the Big Ten Conference,{{cite web | url=https://archive.courierpress.com/sports/college/tiller-look-for-changes-in-spread-offense-ep-447950455-327687541.html/ | title=Tiller: Look for changes in spread offense }} although many others have since brought their own version of the spread, including Jim Tressel at Ohio State, Randy Walker at Northwestern, Rich Rodriguez at Michigan, and Ron Zook at Illinois. Under Tiller and his spread offense, Purdue annually had one of the top offenses in the Big Ten.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/ncf/id/3607167 | title=Purdue coach Tiller's spread offense leaves mark }}

Beginning on approximately January 7, 2008, several media outlets reported that Danny Hope had been offered and accepted the head coaching position at Purdue where it was expected that he would replace coach Joe Tiller as part of a succession plan.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3192410 |title=Purdue has line of succession set up, with Hope to become coach in 2009 |date=January 11, 2008 |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |work=ESPN |access-date=December 5, 2013}} During his previous stay at Purdue, Hope was the offensive line coach for Tiller. He is credited with building the offensive line that protected NFL quarterback Drew Brees and produced several NFL offensive linemen, including All-Pro Matt Light.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/12/23/purdue-coach-danny-hope-gets-2-year-extension/ |title=Purdue coach Danny Hope gets 2-year extension |date=December 23, 2011 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 5, 2013}}

In his first game as head coach at Purdue in 2009, the Boilermakers won, 52–31, over Toledo.{{cite web |url=http://www.purdueexponent.org/sports/none/article_f8100e1b-83f4-56d1-9d83-9870afe8f9c4.html |title=Purdue kick starts Danny Hope era with 52–31 win |date=September 5, 2009 |publisher=Purdue Exponent |work=www.purdueexponent.org |access-date=December 5, 2013}} Purdue lost their next five games before upsetting No. 7 Ohio State, 26–18, at home on October 17.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/oct/18/purdue-shocks-no-7-ohio-state/ |title=Purdue shocks No. 7 Ohio State |date=October 18, 2009 |publisher=The Spokesman-Review |work=www.spokesman.com |access-date=December 5, 2013}} Later during the 2009 season, the Boilermakers won at Michigan for the first time since 1966 with a 38–36 come-from-behind win at The Big House on November 7. It was only the third time in program history that Purdue defeated Ohio State and Michigan in the same season.{{cite web |url=http://www.themorningsun.com/article/MS/20091107/SPORTS/311079989 |title=Purdue wins at Michigan 38–36, 1st time since 1966 |author=Larry Page |date=May 1, 2012 |publisher=The Morning Sun |work=www.themorningsun.com |access-date=December 5, 2013}} Hope's teams would miss out on bowl games in both the 2009 and 2010 seasons. However, the 2011 team was able record a 6–6 overall record and a 4–4 conference record, including a second win against Ohio State in 3 years. The team would end up going to the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, where they defeated Western Michigan 37–32 to achieve Hope's first winning season at Purdue.{{cite web |url=http://detroit.sbnation.com/2011/12/4/2611056/little-caesars-pizza-bowl-2011-purdue-vs-western-michigan |title=Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Purdue Hangs On To Beat Western Michigan, 37–32 |date=December 17, 2011 |publisher=Vox Media, Inc. |work=www.detroit.sbnation.com |access-date=December 5, 2013}} Following the season, Burke extended Hope with a two-year contract extension.

The 2012 season was met with high expectations from fans, alumni, and Hope himself, who proclaimed that it would be his best team with many starters returning.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8674946/purdue-boilermakers-fire-coach-danny-hope-four-years |title=Purdue fires coach Danny Hope |author=Adam Rittenberg |date=November 25, 2012 |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |work=ESPN |access-date=December 5, 2013}} Moreover, with both Ohio State and Penn State serving bowl bans that year, the Boilermakers had a strong opportunity to win the Leaders division title. However, after a 3–1 non-conference start, the team would then open Big Ten play with five straight losses. Although the Boilers would eventually win their final three games, including victories over archrivals IU and Illinois, and become bowl-eligible for the second straight year, athletic director Morgan Burke announced on November 25, 2012, that Hope would be fired.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8674946/purdue-boilermakers-fire-coach-danny-hope-four-years | title=Purdue, coach Hope part ways after four years | date=November 25, 2012 }} Wide receivers coach Patrick Higgins was named interim coach for the bowl game.{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/11/25/no-hope-purdue-football-coach-out/ |title=No Hope: Purdue football coach out |date=November 25, 2012 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 5, 2013}}

On December 5, 2012, it was announced that Darrell Hazell would leave the Kent State Golden Flashes to become the head coach of the Boilermakers.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2012/12/05/purdue-hires-football-coach-darrell-hazell-kent-state/1748127/ |title=Purdue hires Darrell Hazell from Kent State |author=Mike Carmin |date=December 5, 2012 |agency=The Associated Press |work=www.usatoday.com |access-date=October 7, 2013}} The Boilermakers started the season with a 42–7 loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium.{{cite web |url=http://fox59.com/2013/08/31/purdue-opens-darrell-hazell-era-with-an-uninspiring-loss-at-cincinnati/#axzz2h4ZHL5DT |title=Purdue opens Darrell Hazell era with an uninspiring loss at Cincinnati |author=Jeremiah Johnson |date=August 31, 2013 |publisher=Tribune Broadcasting Company |work=www.fox59.com |access-date=October 7, 2013}} The following week against Indiana State, Hazell won his first game at Purdue 20–14.{{cite web |url=http://fox59.com/2013/09/07/hazell-gets-first-victory-as-purdue-defeats-indiana-state/ |title=Hazell gets first victory as Purdue defeats Indiana State |date=September 4, 2013 |author=Ken Sothman |publisher=Tribune Broadcasting Company |work=www.fox59.com |access-date=October 7, 2013}} After the Boilermakers started 1–2, and Rob Henry continuing to struggle in the team's 4th game, Danny Etling was thrust into a game with Purdue trailing 27–10 to Northern Illinois.{{cite web |url=http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130928/BLOGS10/130929368 |title=Etling enters, NIU leads Purdue 27–10 at half |author=Sean Morrison |date=September 28, 2013 |work=www.journalgazette.net |access-date=December 2, 2013}} Etling finished the game with 241 yards passing while throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions.{{cite web |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2013/09/28/purdue-football-danny-etling-makes-debut-in-55-24-loss-to-northern-illinois/2888329/ |title=Purdue football: Danny Etling makes debut in 55–24 loss to Northern Illinois |author=Mike Carmin |date=September 28, 2013 |publisher=Indianapolis Star |work=www.indystar.com |access-date=December 2, 2013}} During the ensuing week, Etling was named the starter for the Boilermakers.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2013/10/02/danny-etling-named-starting-quarterback-at-purdue/2911565/ |title=Danny Etling named starting quarterback at Purdue |date=October 2, 2013 |publisher=Gannett |work=www.usatoday.com |access-date=December 2, 2013}} With Etling at quarterback, Hazell showed he was playing the 2013 season to gain experience for younger players. The Boilermakers finished the 2013 season 1–11, one of the worst seasons in Purdue history.{{cite web |url=http://www.jconline.com/article/20131130/SPORTS020101/311300020/ |title=Etling, Purdue football finally air it out in loss to Indiana |author=Mike Carmin |date=November 30, 2013 |publisher=Gannett |work=www.jconline.com |access-date=December 5, 2013}} The Boilermakers went 3–9 in 2014, 2–10 in 2015, and were 3–3 in 2016 when on October 16, 2016, Hazell was fired with a record of 9–33 with the Boilermakers, including 3–24 in conference play.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17808345/purdue-boilermakers-fire-coach-darrell-hazell-9-33-mark | title=Purdue fires coach Hazell after 9–33 record | date=October 16, 2016 }} He was replaced on an interim basis by wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator Gerad Parker, who went 0–6 to end the season 3–9.{{Cite news|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/football/2016/10/16/purdue-fires-football-coach-darrell-hazell/92203938/|title=Purdue fires football coach Darrell Hazell|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|access-date=October 16, 2016}}

On December 5, 2016, Purdue hired Jeff Brohm to become head coach of the football program.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/18209584/purdue-boilermakers-hire-western-kentucky-coach-jeff-brohm | title=W. Kentucky's Brohm takes Purdue coaching job | date=December 5, 2016 }} Brohm came from Western Kentucky, where he was 30–10 in 3 seasons as the team's head coach.{{cite web |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/football/2016/12/05/purdue-hires-jeff-brohm-football-coach/94982962/ |title=Reports: Purdue hires Jeff Brohm as football coach |author=Nathan Baird |date=December 5, 2016 |publisher=Indianapolis Star |work=www.indystar.com |access-date=December 5, 2016}} Brohm brought instant success to Purdue, success that the program had not experienced since head coach Danny Hope. In their game against Michigan, Purdue sold out Ross Ade Stadium for the first time since 2008 in Joe Tiller's final game against Indiana. Brohm finished his first regular season with a 6–6 record, including the first victory over rival Indiana since 2012. Brohm also was able to earn a bowl berth for Purdue, their first since the 2012 season, where Purdue defeated Arizona in the Foster Farms Bowl, 38–35.

In Brohm's second season, Purdue enjoyed perhaps even higher success than their first season, even though the team started the year 0–3. Purdue would eventually finish 6–7, with a second consecutive bowl berth. Purdue defeated three ranked teams in 2018: No. 23 Boston College (30–13), No. 2 Ohio State (49–20), and No. 16 Iowa (38–36). Purdue suffered a lopsided 63–14 loss to Auburn in the Music City Bowl. In Brohm's third season, Purdue finished 4–8 and failed to achieve bowl eligibility. Purdue's season ended with a 44–41 loss in two overtimes to Indiana in the Old Oaken Bucket game. In Brohm's fifth season as head coach, Purdue finished the regular season with a record of 8–4, including two top 5 wins in number 2 Iowa (24–7) and number 5 (number 3 in CFP Ranking) Michigan State (40–29). Earning a berth back to the Music City Bowl, the Boilermakers beat Tennessee in overtime, 48–45, and ended the year with a 9–4 record. His 6th season lead to the team's first Big Ten West Champions, but they were defeated by #2 Michigan at the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis. Purdue finished the regular season 8–4, with 2021–2022 as the first back-to-back 8–4 seasons or better since 1997–1998. Following the Big Ten Championship Game, Brohm would leave Purdue to become the head coach at his alma mater, Louisville. Offensive Coordinator Brian Brohm took over as the interim head coach for the Citrus Bowl.

On December 13, 2022, Purdue announced that it was hiring Ryan Walters, the defensive coordinator at Illinois, to replace Brohm.{{Cite magazine |last=Koons |first=Zach |title=Purdue Hires Top Big Ten Defensive Coordinator as New Head Coach |url=https://www.si.com/college/2022/12/13/purdue-hires-illinois-defensive-coordinator-ryan-walters-coach |access-date=December 15, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}} Purdue was Walters' first head coaching position.https://stories.purdue.edu/coach-walters-man-on-a-mission/ In Walters’ debut, the Boilermakers fell at home, 35–39, to the Fresno State Bulldogs on September 2, 2023. Purdue would go 4–8 (3–6 Big Ten) that season, tying for fourth in the Big Ten West. On heels of a 1–3 start to the 2024 season, Purdue fired offensive coordinator Graham Harrell.{{Cite web |title=Purdue fires Graham Harrell as offensive coordinator four games into 2024 season following third straight loss |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/purdue-fires-graham-harrell-as-offensive-coordinator-four-games-into-2024-season-following-third-straight-loss/amp/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=www.cbssports.com}} Pressure was mounting that Walters himself should be fired due to the team’s historic poor performance throughout the season. After a 66–0 blowout loss to arch rival Indiana on November 30, Walters was fired the next day, December 1, ending a disastrous 1–11 (0–9 Big Ten) season.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-01 |title=Purdue fires Walters after winless Big Ten season |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42718960/purdue-fires-ryan-walters-winless-big-ten-year |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} For his buyout, Purdue paid him $9.34 million.{{Cite web |last=Baird |first=Nathan |title=What would Purdue owe Ryan Walters to fire the football coach after this season? |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2024/10/07/purdue-football-coach-ryan-walters-contract-buyout-if-fired-in-2024-boilermakers/75548858007/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}

Purdue announced that it was hiring then-current University of Nevada, Las Vegas head coach Barry Odom as its next head coach on December 8, 2024.

• Independent (1887–1890)
• Indiana Intercollegiate Athletic Association (1891–1894)
• Independent (1895)
• Big Ten Conference (1896–present)

Purdue's 1931 team was retroactively selected national champion by Parke Davis, an NCAA-designated major selector.{{cite web |last1=Temple |first1=Jesse |title=Top 5 all-time coaches: Purdue Boilermakers |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/133780/top-5-all-time-coaches-purdue-boilermakers |publisher=ESPN |access-date=September 4, 2018 |date=June 16, 2016 |quote=College football historian Parke H. Davis retroactively named his 1931 team, which finished 9–1, as a co-national champion.}}{{cite web |title=FB Hosts Old Oaken Bucket Game on Saturday |url=https://purduesports.com/news/2015/11/23/FB_Hosts_Old_Oaken_Bucket_Game_on_Saturday.aspx |website=purduesports.com |publisher=Purdue Athletics |access-date=September 4, 2018 |date=November 23, 2015}} As a split selection, Davis also named Pittsburgh as national champion.{{cite book|author=Christopher J. Walsh|title=Who's #1?: 100-Plus Years of Controversial National Champions in College Football|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=580XAQAAMAAJ|year=2007|publisher=Taylor Trade Pub.|isbn=978-1-58979-337-8|page=187}}{{cite book | url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2018/FBS.pdf | title=2018 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records | publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association | date=August 2017 | location=Indianapolis| access-date=September 4, 2018}}{{rp|112}} However, the NCAA only lists Southern California as the national champion for 1931, and does not credit Purdue with any national championships in football.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.com/history/football/fbs|title=FBS Football Championship History | NCAA.com|website=www.ncaa.com}}

Purdue has won 12 conference championships, five outright and seven shared. Of those, four are Indiana Intercollegiate Athletic Association titles and eight are Big Ten Conference titles.{{cite web |title=Purdue Championships |url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/bigten/purdue/championships.php |author=DeLassus, David |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |access-date=April 6, 2013 |archive-date=July 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720032607/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/bigten/purdue/championships.php |url-status=dead }} As members of the Indiana Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Big Ten, the Boilermakers have amassed a record of 154–64–3 (.703 winning percentage) in conference play.

† Co-champions

Purdue has won one division title.

Purdue has participated in 21 bowl games throughout its history, compiling an 11–10 record.{{cite web |url=http://www.purdue.edu/bowl/history.html |title=BowlMakers |publisher=Purdue University |work=www.purdue.edu |access-date=April 8, 2013}} Purdue did not appear frequently in post-season play from 1967 to 1984, but they played well, winning 4 of 5 bowl games including four consecutive wins between 1967 and 1980. When Tiller arrived in 1997, Purdue went to eight consecutive bowl games, but only won three of the eight bowl games. Tiller would lead the Boilermakers to a total of 10 bowl games in his 12 seasons as head coach.{{cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/joe-tiller-1.html |title=Joe Tiller Coaching Record |publisher=USA Today Sports Digital Properties |work=www.sports-reference.com |access-date=April 8, 2013}} Of those 20 bowl appearances, the Boilermakers have participated in 1 "major" Division I-A/FBS bowl games, which was part of the BCS Bowl Games. The Boilermakers have never played in a National Championship Game.

File:Joe Tiller.jpg, Purdue's all-time wins lead as head coach.]]

There have been 39 head coaches with 40 tenures since the inaugural team in 1887, with Barry Odom being the current head coach.{{cite web |url=https://purduesports.com/sports/2018/5/17/sports-m-footbl-spec-rel-coaching-history-html.aspx |title=Purdue Coaching History |publisher=Purdue University Athletic Department |work=www.purduesports.com |access-date=April 5, 2013}}

{{main|Stuart Field}}

Stuart Field was dedicated on April 16, 1892,{{cite book |last=Stone |first=Winthrop E. |author-link=Winthrop E. Stone |title=The Twenty-Fifth Report of Purdue University |date=January 12, 1900 |publisher=Wm. R. Burford |location=Indianapolis |page=36 |chapter=Report on Athletics at Purdue University |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9nSwUKcZp0wC&pg=RA7-PA36}} and named for Charles B. and William V. Stuart, two brothers who served on the university's board of trustees.{{cite book |title=A University of Tradition: The Spirit of Purdue |author=Purdue Reamer Club |year=2002 |publisher=Purdue University Press |location=West Lafayette, Indiana |isbn=1-55753-191-9 |page=66 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X3afAAAAMAAJ&q=stuart+field&pg=66 |access-date=March 19, 2012}} Originally a seven-acre (2.8 ha) field with 800 seats, by the 1910s it was expanded to twice that area and a seating capacity of five thousand.{{cite book |title=Ross-Ade: Their Purdue Stories, Stadium, and Legacies |last=Kriebel |first=Robert C. |year=2009 |publisher=Purdue University Press |location=West Lafayette, Indiana |isbn=978-1-55753-522-1 |page=100 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uph7dDujN7IC&pg=PA100 |access-date=March 19, 2012}}

{{Main|Ross–Ade Stadium}}

Image:RossAde.JPG during a game in 2006]]

The Boilermakers have called Ross–Ade Stadium home since 1924. It is named for David E. Ross and George Ade, the principal benefactors. Ross–Ade Stadium opened on November 22, 1924, with a seating capacity of 13,500 and standing room for an additional 5,000 people.[http://purduesports.cstv.com/facilities/ross-ade-stadium.html Ross-Ade Stadium] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222010456/http://purduesports.cstv.com/facilities/ross-ade-stadium.html |date=February 22, 2009 }}, Purdue Official Athletic Site. A series of additions and renovations pushed the seating capacity to almost 68,000 (70,000 with standing room). In 2001 Purdue University began a $70 million renovation, which led to a reduced seating capacity of 62,500. Following 2023 renovations to add seating in the south end zone, the current capacity is 61,441.

An indoor training facility used primarily for the football team. It includes a full practice football field, extensive weight room, and offices for the football program. Also housed in Mollenkopf is the Purdue Football Hall of Glory.

Purdue's major rival has always been Indiana University, with whom they play for the Old Oaken Bucket, but during the Joe Tiller era the rivalry with Notre Dame in football has become the most heated and most competitive with Joe Tiller led teams going 5–7 vs. Notre Dame. Danny Hope picked up the Shillelagh Trophy with a 24–21 loss in his first season as head coach. In addition, Purdue has a long-standing rivalry with Illinois, with whom they play for the Purdue Cannon trophy.

Due to having an odd number of teams from 1993 to 2010, the Big Ten utilized a rotating system of conference games. Every school was designated two official rivals, whom they played every year. The official rivals for Purdue were Indiana and Northwestern. However, after the expansion of the Big Ten to 12 schools, Purdue and Northwestern were placed into separate conference divisions and no longer played each other on an annual basis.

From 2011 to 2013, Purdue's new designated cross-division rival was Iowa. This matchup was mocked by fans of both teams. The other cross-divisional rivalries set up by the Big Ten had some history or a trophy behind the pairing, but Purdue and Iowa were left over. The respective SB Nation blogs of [http://www.hammerandrails.com/2014/9/23/6832953/our-most-hated-rival-a-brief-history Hammer & Rails] and [http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/football/2014/9/23/6834861/our-most-hated-rival-a-history-of-iowa-being-better-than-purdue Black Heart Gold Pants] celebrated this rivalry between the two schools with the tongue-in-cheek reference to each other as "Our Most Hated Rivals" or simple "OMHR"

{{main|Illinois–Purdue football rivalry}}

Purdue leads the series 48–46–6 through the 2024 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/purdue/vs/illinois|title=Winsipedia – Purdue Boilermakers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini football series history|website=Winsipedia}}

{{main|Old Oaken Bucket}}

Purdue leads the series with Indiana Hoosiers 77–42–6 through the 2023 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/purdue/vs/indiana|title=Winsipedia – Purdue Boilermakers vs. Indiana Hoosiers football series history|website=Winsipedia}}

{{main|Notre Dame–Purdue football rivalry}}

Notre Dame leads the series 60–26–2 through the 2024 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/purdue/vs/notre-dame|title=Winsipedia – Purdue Boilermakers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish football series history|website=Winsipedia}}

{{See also|Quarterback U}}

Image:Bob DeMoss.jpg, the oldest member of the Cradle of Quarterbacks]]

Purdue's football program has long been known for its prolific passing quarterbacks, ranging from players who have set School, Big Ten & NCAA records, to being named All-Americans and finalist for national awards, to being elected into the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fames.{{cite web |url=http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/craddle-of-quarterbacks.html |title=Cradle Of Quarterbacks |publisher=Purdue University Athletic Department |work=www.purduesports.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}} This great tradition has led to the school being nicknamed the "Cradle of Quarterbacks".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/06/sports/ncaafootball/michigan-purdue-big-ten.html|title=New Coach Reminds Fans That Purdue Has a Football Team|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 6, 2017|last1=Tracy|first1=Marc|access-date=October 26, 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/hawkeyes/iowa-football/iowa-game-this-week-5-things-to-know-purdue-20191015|title=Iowa football: 5 Things to know about Purdue|newspaper=The Gazette|date=October 15, 2019|access-date=October 26, 2019|location=Cedar Rapids, Iowa}} When Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to a victory in Super Bowl XLIV, Purdue became just the second college in history to produce 3 different Super Bowl winning quarterbacks. The first Purdue quarterback to win an NFL title was Cecil Isbell who led the Green Bay Packers to the 1939 NFL title.{{cite news|title=AL HAMNIK: Purdue QB greats love rocking that cradle|url=http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/article_de3e096c-bbdf-5964-b5c9-b506edf91b69.html|publisher=The Times of Northwest Indiana|date=June 23, 2010}}

† Quarterbacks to start and win a Super Bowl

{{main|Purdue All-American Marching Band}}

The Purdue All-American Marching Band is the marching band of Purdue University. The Purdue "All-American" Marching Band (AAMB) is the primary source of auxiliary entertainment for Purdue University football games. AAMB does many service performances for high schools, junior high schools, and elementary schools, and has been the host band of the Indianapolis 500 race every year the race has been held since 1927. The band has grown from an original 5 members to 373 members, making it one of the largest marching bands in the world. The two most distinctive features of the AAMB are the World's Largest Drum and solo baton twirler the Purdue Golden Girl.

In 1886 the Purdue Student Army Training Corps produced 5 men who provided music for the Army trainees to listen to during their morning conditioning runs. While operating without a director until 1904, the band had started playing at Purdue football games and had grown to over 50 members. In 1904, Paul Spotts Emrick, joined the band. His experience as a conductor resulted in his election as band president and director the next year. During his senior year at Purdue, the marching band, under Emrick, became the first band to break ranks and form a letter on the field—the famous Block "P".{{cite book | last = Norberg | first = John | title = Hail Purdue | publisher = The "ALL-AMERICAN" Band Club | year = 1987 | isbn = 0-9617991-0-2 | page = 42}}

Emrick stayed on as director after his graduation in 1908. In 1921, Emrick commissioned Leedy to construct the World's Largest Drum, and it has been a part of the marching band ever since. In 1935, during a Purdue football game at Northwestern University the band donned lights on their uniforms while performing at halftime. With the stadium lights turned off for the performance, the band drew such awe from radio broadcaster Ted Husing, he referred to them as a "truly All-American marching band", hence the current title of the band.

{{main|Boilermaker Special}}

Image:BMS01.jpg

The Boilermaker Special is the official mascot of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. It resembles a Victorian-era railroad locomotive and is built on a truck chassis. It is operated and maintained by the student members of the Purdue Reamer Club.

Purdue University is a land-grant university (or Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) university) created through the Morrill Act of 1862. In the 1890s, Purdue became a leader in the research of railway technology. For many years Purdue operated the "Schenectady No. 1", and later the "Schenectady No. 2", on a dynamometer in an engineering laboratory on the West Lafayette campus. These were 4-4-0 type steam locomotives manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Schenectady was a classic Victorian-era design similar in construction to the Western and Atlantic Railroad No. 3 (see The General (locomotive) on display at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History). Purdue even operated its own railroad to connect the campus to a main rail line. In the 1930s the dynamometer was decommissioned and the Schenectady No. 2 was retired as the railroad industry in the United States converted from steam to diesel-electric locomotives.

Purdue did not have a mascot. In 1939, Purdue student Israel Selkowitz suggested the school adopt an official mascot to represent Purdue's engineering heritage. He originally proposed a "mechanical man". After much debate, it was decided to build a locomotive on an automobile chassis. This choice allowed the mascot to build on Purdue's engineering and railroading heritage, as well as represent the school's nickname "Boilermakers" in a meaningful way.

The "Boilermaker" nickname came about during the early years of Purdue football. There had been rumors the university enrolled burly boilermakers from the Monon Railroad shops in Lafayette, Indiana as students/football players to help beef up the scrawny football team. When a railroad operated an extra train independent of the scheduled timetable, it was known as a "special". Thus, the trains which carried Purdue's sporting teams and their fans to other cities for athletic contests were known as "Boilermaker Specials". It was a perfect match.

Financial and moral support for the first Boilermaker Special was provided by key members of the Purdue University graduating class of 1907, and members of the Purdue Reamer Club from the graduating classes of 1940 and 1941.

{{main|Purdue Pete}}

Purdue Pete was first designed as a logo by the University Bookstore in 1940.{{cite news | work=Purdue Sports | title=Purdue Pete | year=2008 | publisher=CBS College Sports | url =http://purduesports.cstv.com/trads/purdue-pete.html | access-date = October 3, 2008 }} They would put it on their products and portray him dressed up in different clothes for the different majors. He got the Purdue part of his name from Purdue University.Smith, Arthur. Personal interview. October 3, 2008. Interview notes in possession. The owners of the bookstores gave him the name "Pete", yet no one officially knows why this was chosen to be his name. He was given a physical identity in 1956 as he came out and helped the students cheer at a pep rally. Over the years, the appearance of Purdue Pete has gone under several drastic changes as well as several minor changes. His original head was made of paper-mâché, pasted onto a chicken wire frame. This was very inconvenient for the person who would be underneath because it would limit his movements, yet he was still expected to move around and do stunts. This head was changed to a giant fiberglass head where the person inside would use a harness to support it. This was unpractical due to the sheer size of it. In the 1980s, Purdue Pete acquired the appearance he is now associated with. Proposals to switch to a soft-sculpture costume were rejected in 2006 and 2011.{{cite journal |last=Mayer |first=Kathy |date=January–February 2011 |title=Purdue Pete to Reveal Makeover |journal=Purdue Alumnus |page=23 |access-date=April 22, 2011 |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pur/genrel/auto_pdf/alumnusstoryonpete.pdf}}{{cite news |title=Fans rejoice after Purdue shelves brand-new Pete |first=Curt |last=Slyder |url=http://www.jconline.com/article/20110414/NEWS0501/104140329/Fans-rejoice-after-Purdue-shelves-brand-new-Pete |newspaper=Journal & Courier |location=Lafayette, Indiana |date=April 13, 2011 |access-date=April 22, 2011}}

Image:Juice Williams-Illinois QB-sack.jpg sacking Juice Williams of Illinois]]

Purdue has also had a more recent tradition of sending defensive ends to the NFL. Since 1999, Purdue has had 10 defensive ends selected in the NFL Draft. With their success in the NFL, Purdue has earned the nickname, the "Den of Defensive Ends".{{cite web |url=https://purduesports.com/sports/2018/5/17/sports-m-footbl-spec-rel-den-defensive-ends-html.aspx |title=The Den of Defensive Ends |publisher=Purdue University Athletic Department |work=www.purduesports.com |access-date=May 4, 2022}}

† Defensive ends to start and win a Super Bowl.

{{overly detailed|section|date=June 2024}}

File:David Blough (36601358784).jpg in the 2019 Purdue uniforms.]]

Purdue's colors are Old Gold and Black, as are its uniforms. Home uniforms are black with old gold numerals. On the shoulder is the player's number in old gold, and on the sleeve, there is an old gold stripe at the bottom. The pants are old gold with one black stripe along each side, with the Purdue train logo right above it. The helmet is old gold with a black stripe down the middle, a black facemask, and a black slanted "P" logo on each side. The away uniform is white with black numerals. The shoulders have black numerals on them, and the sleeve has a black stripe at the bottom. Both home and away jerseys sport the Purdue train logo in the center front of the collar, surrounded by a patch of black fabric. The away pants are black one old gold stripe on each side as well as the Purdue train logo. This uniform also features the old gold helmet used for the home uniform.

Since 2013, Purdue has added in some alternate uniforms. Purdue has always had alternate uniforms utilizing black jerseys with black pants or white jerseys with old gold pants, but these uniforms always used the same old gold helmet. When Purdue updated its uniforms during Danny Hope's coaching time, they added white pants with a black stripe on each side and a train logo as well. These pants are usually seen accompanied by a white jersey, but Purdue wore them at home with their black jersey and gold helmet once in 2013. Also, in 2013, Purdue added a matte black helmet with gold railroad tracks that run down the middle of the helmet being wider in front and gradually narrowing to the back of the helmet where it ends and in its place is a train logo. The sides of the helmet also feature a gold slanted "P" logo on either side and a black facemask. This helmet was features at home in 2013 against the Ohio State Buckeyes with the default black jersey and pants. Purdue also wore this helmet as an away uniform with the default white jersey and black pants during the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry game at Indiana. In 2014, the Boilermakers wore this helmet a couple of more times, namely when they played Notre Dame at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, when they wore it with default white jerseys and pants. They wore this same uniform combination at Indiana at the end of the year. In 2014, Purdue added no permanent uniforms, but they did have a couple special occasion helmets. In one game earlier in the year, they wore an old gold helmet with a black stripe down the middle and black facemask, but the slanted "P" logo was instead a black outline with pictures sent in by season ticket holders inside of it. In October, when the Boilers played Michigan State at home, they featured a matte black helmet with a lime green stripe down the middle, lime green slanted "P" logos, a large lime green cancer ribbon in the back, and the slogan "Hammer Down Cancer" at the back of the helmet. While, the jersey and pants were Purdue's default white for both, they also features lime green nike socks. Later in the season when they played Wisconsin at home, the Boilermakers used a matte black helmet with 3 stripes down the middle that were red, white, and blue in order with slanted "P" logos on the side that were filled with a waving American flag. The slogan at the bottom said "United" in red, "We" in white, and "Stand" in blue. This was worn with their default black jersey and pants.

In 2015, Purdue added even more excitement to the uniforms. They have featured a white helmet with one side featuring the train logo in black and gold chrome with the other side featuring the player's number in black. There are two black stripes and a gold chrome stripe going down the middle, and the facemask is black with a gold chrome stripe in the middle where the stripe on the helmet continues. Also, Purdue added an Anthricite Gray alternate that used a dark gray helmet with light gray railroad tracks down the middle and a light gray slanted "P" logo on each side. The jerseys are dark gray with light gray numerals on the front and back, with light gray numerals on the shoulder and a light gray stripe at the bottom of the sleeve. Instead of the player's last name being features on the back of the jersey like all of the others do, this jersey says "BOILERMAKERS" in all black. The pants to this uniform are dark gray with a light gray stripe on each side and an alternate version of the train logo that uses only black and light gray. Against Indiana State, Purdue used a helmet similar to the one they wore in 2014 against Wisconsin but this time, the helmet was white with a black facemask. This was worn with the Anthricite gray jersey and pants. Since the arrival of Joe Tiller in 1997, Purdue players have not worn names on the backs of their jerseys. When Danny Hope took over in 2009, he added names to the backs of the jerseys.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

Before Tiller, the team wore uniforms that sported the school's name across the front of the jersey, and the old gold color was more pronounced, with almost a copper hue. In Tiller's first season, the helmet color was lightened substantially, as was the gold used on the rest of the uniform.

Purdue's Pride sticker (given out for good performances) was the Purdue logo (locomotive). This was changed in 2006 to a sledgehammer with the slant "P" in the hammer's head (like the one wielded by mascot Purdue Pete). In the 2006 game against the Indiana State Sycamores, Purdue wore a throwback uniform from 1966, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the school's first Rose Bowl team. It featured a white jersey with two outer black stripes on the shoulder and one inner gold stripe. The numerals were black with no outline. The team wore gold pants with two black stripes on the sides, and the helmets were old gold with black numbers and one black stripe down the middle. The gold in the throwback uniforms was more yellow in hue than that in the regular 1997–present uniforms.

File:David Hedelin.jpg in the all-black Purdue uniforms.]]

In 2002, Purdue changed from its black home jersey to an old gold jersey. The old gold uniforms had white numerals and black outline for home games, and white uniforms with old gold numbers and back outline for away games. Some complained that the numerals on the jersey were too hard to see, so in 2003 they changed to an old gold jersey with black numerals outlined in white, and white pants with two black stripes down the sides. After losing their opening game at home to Bowling Green, Tiller and the team decided to dump the gold jerseys and go back to the black uniforms. After they changed back to the black uniforms, the team came out to "Back in Black" by AC/DC for every home game in 2003. Since then, Purdue has stayed with the black uniforms. In one game against Wisconsin in 2006, the Boilermakers wore the black jersey with black pants. They had not sported an all-black look at home since the last game of the season in 1996 against Indiana.

In 2009, Purdue also wore the Black on Black in a night game against Notre Dame on the Purdue Blackout, and then wore them for the remainder of their home games. In 2010, the Black on Black remained the normal home uniform with the exception being the Homecoming game against Minnesota where the team donned Throwback Uniforms for the 2001 Rose Bowl team. While the original jerseys were made by Champion, the replicas were Nike branded.

In 2013, Purdue designed a new black helmet that was used during the Ohio State and Indiana games. The all black helmet had a matte finish with a decal of train tracks down the center of the helmet, with the university's official athletic logo at the end of the tracks. Also on the helmet was the phrase "One Brick Higher", the motto coach Darrell Hazell had chosen for the season.{{cite web |url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24176235/photo-purdue-wears-black-helmets-for-blackout-vs-ohio-state |title=Purdue wears black helmets for 'black-out' vs. Ohio State |author=Jerry Hinnen |date=November 2, 2013 |publisher=CBS Broadcasting Inc. |work=www.cbssports.com |access-date=December 5, 2013}} During the 2015 season, Purdue introduced a white helmet, as well as an anthracite gray uniform.

In 2016, Purdue announced that they would have a complete re-design of their uniforms for the 2016 season, using the motto, "Focus, Fight, Finish" for the three different designs.{{Cite web |url=http://www.focusfightfinish.com/#focus-fight-finish |title=Focus, Fight, Finish |publisher=Purdue University |work=www.focusfightfinish.com |access-date=June 22, 2016}}

Purdue has finished a season ranked in the Associated Press (AP) poll on 17 occasions.{{cite web|title=Purdue Rankings |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/purdue/polls.html |publisher=USA Today Sports Digital Properties |access-date=April 9, 2013}} The Boilermakers have finished ranked amongst the top 10 in college football on five occasions. Purdue attained its highest-ever ranking in the polls during the preseason of the 1968 season, when they were ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll for 6 straight weeks before they lost to No. 4 Ohio State 0–13.{{cite web |url=http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2009/10/flashback-ohio-state-vs-purdue-1968.html |title=Flashback: Ohio State vs. Purdue, 1968 |date=October 12, 2009 |author=Joe Beale |publisher=Eleven Warriors |work=www.elevenwarriors.com |access-date=April 9, 2013}} Since the implementation of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) in 1998, Purdue has finished the regular season ranked one time in the final BCS standings. While the Boilermakers are 54–175–5 against opponents ranked in the AP Poll, they have an all-time record of 111–65–10 when ranked in the AP Poll themselves.{{cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/pur/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/12-information-book.pdf |title=2012 Purdue Football Information Guide |publisher=Purdue University Athletics Department |work=www.purduesports.com |access-date=April 9, 2013}}

Purdue has knocked off the No. 1 ranked football team in college football seven times over the years—the third most of all the Division I teams in college football. Only Notre Dame and Oklahoma have accomplished this more times.{{cite web |url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/14124889/knocking-off-no-1-not-an-everyschool-occurrence |title=Knocking off No. 1 not an every-school occurrence |date=October 13, 2010 |first1=Dennis|last1=Dodd |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=CBS Sports.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}} The Boilermakers have nine wins against AP No. 1 or No. 2 teams as an unranked squad, four more than any other program in the poll era.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35157290/look-michigan-purdue-unrivaled-history-upsets |title=Look out, Michigan, Purdue has an unrivaled history of upsets |date=December 22, 2022 |first1=Adam|last1=Rittenbur3g |publisher= ESPN |work=ESPN.com |access-date=August 17, 2023}} The first Spoilermaker game occurred in 1950 when Purdue broke Notre Dame's 39-game win streak.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-09-25-8703120707-story.html|title=Irish Can't Look Back vs. Purdue|last1=Jauss|first1=Bill|newspaper=The Chicago Tribune|location=Chicago, Illinois|date=September 25, 1987}} In 1953, Purdue ended Michigan State's 28-game win streak with a 6–0 win.{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1969/11/12/79436264.html?pageNumber=54|title='Spoilermakers' Are Eyeing Ohio State|date=November 12, 1969|last1=Amdur|first1=Neil|newspaper=The New York Times|page=54|url-access=subscription}}

File:Bob Griese 1966.jpg, two-time Heisman Trophy candidate and 1966 Sammy Baugh Trophy recipient]]

Purdue has produced eight Heisman Trophy candidates. Four Boilermakers, Bob Griese, Leroy Keyes, Mark Herrmann and Drew Brees have each been finalist for the award in two separate seasons.

Seven Boilermaker players and coaches have won major college football awards.

A total of 55 Boilermakers have been recognized as All-Americans by various media selectors. Among those selections, 22 have achieved Consensus All-American status.{{Cite book |editor1-last=Kuffner|editor1-first=Adam|editor2-last=MacDougall|editor2-first=Ian|editor3-last=Soule|editor3-first=William|title=2023 Purdue Football Record Book | publisher = Purdue University Athletics Department |year=2023 |location=West Lafayette, Indiana|access-date=December 11, 2023|url=https://purduesports.com/documents/2023/8/25/2023_Purdue_Record_Book.pdf}} Of those consensus All-Americans, seven were unanimous selections.{{cite news |url=http://www.purdueexponent.org/sports/article_0b9411d6-0889-11e0-ba2c-00127992bc8b.html |title=Sporting News names Kerrigan unanimous All-America |date=December 15, 2010 |author=Andy Jessop |newspaper=The Exponent |access-date=April 25, 2013}}

| align="center" valign="top" |

| align="center" valign="top" |

| align="center" valign="top" |

|-

| colspan="6" align="center" | * – denotes Consensus All-Americans

|-

| colspan="6" align="center" | # – denotes Unanimous All-Americans

|}

The following Boilermakers have been recognized with Big Ten Conference football individual awards.

File:Jack Mollenkopf 1966.jpg, Purdue Head Coach (1955–69)]]

A total of 18 Boilermakers have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

{{Div col|colwidth=23em}}

• Alex Agase – G (1941–43, 46)
• : Inducted 1963.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1654}} |title=Alex Agase |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Otis Armstrong – HB (1970–72)
• : Inducted 2012.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=2322}} |title=Otis Armstrong |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Dave Butz – DT (1970–72)
• : Inducted 2014.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=2360}} |title=Dave Butz |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• William Dietz – Head Coach (1921–26)
• : Inducted 2012.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=2277}} |title=William "Lone Star" Dietz |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Chalmers "Bump" Elliott – HB (1943–44)
• : Inducted 1989.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1655}} |title=Bump "Bump" Elliott |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Bob Griese – QB (1964–66)
• : Inducted 1984.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1868}} |title=Bob Griese |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Mark Herrmann – QB (1977–80)
• : Inducted 2010.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=2302}} |title=Mark Herrman |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Cecil Isbell – HB (1935–37)
• : Inducted 1967.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1520}} |title=Cecil "Cece" Isbell |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Leroy Keyes – HB (1966–68)
• : Inducted 1990.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1869}} |title=Leroy Keyes |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• John McKay – Head Coach (1960–75)
• : Inducted 1988{{cite web|url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1957}}|title=National Football Foundation > Programs > College Football Hall of Fame > SearchDetail|first=National Football|last=Foundation|website=www.footballfoundation.org}}
• Jack Mollenkopf – Head Coach (1955–69)
• : Inducted 1988.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1870}} |title=Jack Mollenkopf |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Elmer Oliphant – HB (1911–14)
• : Inducted 1955.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1307}} |title=Elmer "Ollie" Oliphant |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Jim Phelan – Head Coach (1922–29)
• : Inducted 1973.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1562}} |title=Jim Phelan |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Mike Phipps – QB (1967–69)
• : Inducted 2006.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=2183}} |title=Mike Phipps |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Anthony Poindexter – Assistant Coach (2017–2020)
• : Inducted 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jconline.com/story/sports/2020/03/11/purdue-assistant-honored-college-football-hall-fame-selection/5029336002/|title=Purdue football assistant Anthony Poindexter honored by Hall of Fame selection|first=Mike|last=Carmin|website=Journal and Courier}}
• Andy Smith – Head Coach (1913–15)
• : Inducted 1951.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1428}} |title=Andy Smith |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, inc |work=www.footballfoundation.org |access-date=April 17, 2013}}
• Rod Woodson – S (1983–86)
• : Inducted 2016.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/01/08/college-football-hall-of-fame-rod-woodson-derrick-brooks-randall-cunningham/78507872/ |title=Derrick Brooks, Rod Woodson, Randall Cunningham lead Hall of Fame class |work=USA Today |access-date=January 8, 2016}}
• Jim Young – Head Coach (1977–81)
• : Inducted 1999.{{cite web |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1999}} |title=Jim Young |publisher=The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame |access-date=April 17, 2013}}

{{Div col end}}

Four Boilermakers hold the distinguished title of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees.

• Len Dawson – QB (1957–1975); HoF Class of 1987{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25482279/the_akron_beacon_journal/|title=Pro Football Hall of Fame/Class of '87|newspaper=The Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|date=August 7, 1987|page=42|via=Newspapers.com}}
• Bob Griese – QB (1967–1980); HoF Class of 1990{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25482087/the_indianapolis_star/|title=Bob Griese Takes Final Step to Fame|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|location=Indianapolis, Indiana|page=18|date=July 29, 1990|last1=Bansch|first1=John|via=Newspapers.com}}
• Hank Stram – Player and assistant coach at Purdue, inducted as a Coach (1960–1974; 1976–1977); HoF Class of 2003{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23296229/the_postcrescent/|title=Stram induction is a hit|last1=Carter|first1=Ivan|newspaper=The Post-Crescent|location=Appleton, Wisconsin|date=August 4, 2003|page=27|via=Newspapers.com}}
• Rod Woodson – CB / S (1987–2003); HoF Class of 2009{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4382642|title=Woodson earned his spot among elite|last1=Walker|first1=James|date=August 7, 2009|publisher=ESPN|access-date=August 30, 2018}}

Since its institution in 1994, the Purdue University Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes those participants that have helped elevate Boilermaker athletics into one of the most respected programs in the nation. Former athletes, coaches and administrators are eligible for selection 5 years following their association with Purdue athletics.{{cite web |title=Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame |url=http://www.purduesports.com/school-bio/pur-hallfame.html |publisher=Purdue University Athletics Department |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423073252/http://www.purduesports.com/school-bio/pur-hallfame.html |archive-date=April 23, 2013 |url-status=dead }} The following individuals have been inducted into the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame for their contributions to the Boilermaker football program:

{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}

• Bernie Allen
• Mike Alstott
• Otis Armstrong
• Erich Barnes
• Jim Beirne
• Tom Bettis
• Drew Brees
• Pete Brewster
• Lawrence Burton
• Tony Butkovich
• Dave Butz
• John Charles
• Rosevelt Colvin
• Dr. Lloyd Combs
• Gary Danielson
• Len Dawson
• Bob DeMoss
• Babe Dimancheff
• Travis Dorsch
• Jim Everett
• Dutch Fehring
• Bernie Flowers
• Tim Foley
• Bob Griese
• Mark Herrmann
• Cecil Isbell
• Alpha Jamison
• Leroy Keyes
• Noble Kizer
• Matt Light
• Lamar Lundy
• Guy "Red" Mackey
• Felix Mackiewicz
• Ned Maloney
• Jack Mollenkopf
• Elmer Oliphant
• Mike Phipps
• Duane Purvis
• Dave Rankin
• Dale Samuels
• Jerry Shay
• Bill Skowron
• Elmer Sleight
• Darryl Stingley
• Hank Stram
• Taylor Stubblefield
• Leo Sugar
• Harry Szulborski
• Joe Tiller
• Keena Turner
• Sam Voinoff
• Ralph Welch
• Rod Woodson
• Dave Young
• Jim Young
• Jeff Zgonina

{{Div col end}}

File:Drew Brees Saints 2008.jpg, of the New Orleans Saints]]

Purdue has produced a total of 314 NFL draft selections.{{cite web|title=Purdue Drafted Players/Alumni |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/purdue/drafted.htm |publisher=USA Today Sports Digital Properties |work=www.pro-football-reference.com |access-date=May 3, 2023}}

The following "Active" and "All-Star" lists account for past and present Purdue University football players that have participated in the National Football League, the Canadian Football League, and the Arena Football League.

As of March 2025, there are a total of 13 Boilermakers listed on team rosters in the NFL,{{cite web |url=https://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-depth-charts/active-nfl-players-by-college/purdue/91717 |title=Purdue Boilermakers in the NFL |publisher=Ourlads|access-date=October 15, 2024}}

{{Div col|colwidth=24em}}

• Derrick Barnes – LB – Detroit Lions
• David Bell – WR – Cleveland Browns
• Payne Durham – TE – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Jalen Graham – LB – San Francisco 49ers
• Charlie Jones – WR – Cincinnati Bengals
• Sanoussi Kane – S – Baltimore Ravens
• George Karlaftis – DE – Kansas City Chiefs
• Rondale Moore – WR – Minnesota Vikings
• Raheem Mostert – RB – Las Vegas Raiders
• Aidan O'Connell – QB – Las Vegas Raiders
• Reese Taylor – CB – Denver Broncos
• Tyrone Tracy Jr. – RB – New York Giants
• Cory Trice – CB – Pittsburgh Steelers

{{Div col end}}

Among the numerous Boilermakers that have participated in the NFL, CFL, and AFL, a total of 44 have received all-star recognition by their respective leagues.

File:Mike Alstott ESPNWeekend2010-082.jpg, Purdue's all-time leading rusher and six-time NFL Pro Bowl selection]]

{{Div col|colwidth=27em}}

• Mike Alstott – FB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002){{cite web|title=Mike Alstott NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlstMi00.htm|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 10, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999)
• Otis Armstrong – RB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1974, 1976){{cite web|title=Otis Armstrong NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/ArmsOt00.htm|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 10, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1974)
• Cliff Avril – DE

:: NFL Pro Bowl (2017){{cite web|title=Cliff Avril NFL Football Statistics|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AvriCl99.htm |access-date=January 28, 2022}}

• Erich Barnes – DB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1968){{cite web|title=Erich Barnes NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BarnEr00.htm|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 10, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1961)
• Dick Barwegan – G
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1951, 1952, 1953, 1954){{cite web|title=Dick Barwegan NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BarwDi00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 10, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1948, 1949, 1950, 1951)
• : NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
• Jim Beirne – WR
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1969){{cite web|title=Jim Beirne NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BeirJi00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 10, 2013}}
• Drew Brees – QB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018){{cite web|title=Drew Brees NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 10, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (2006)
• Pete Brewster – TE
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1955, 1956){{cite web|title=Pete Brewster NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrewPe00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 10, 2013}}
• Don Brumm – DE
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1968){{cite web|title=Don Brumm NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrumDo00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 10, 2013}}
• Dave Butz – DL
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1983){{cite web|title=Dave Butz NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ButzDa00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 10, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1983)
• : NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
• Ralph Claypool – C

:: NFL All-Pro (1925){{cite web|title=Ralph Claypool NFL Football Statistics|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClayRa21.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=January 28, 2022}}

• Denny Chronopoulos – OG
• : CFL East All-Star ({{CFL Year|1993}})
• Len Dawson – QB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971){{cite web |title=Len Dawson NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DawsLe00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 13, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1962, 1966)
• : Super Bowl IV MVP
• : NFL Man of the Year Award (1973)
• : 2nd Team, AFL All-Time Team
• : Kansas City Chiefs #16 retired
• : Pro Football Hall of Fame (1987)
• Cris Dishman – DB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1991, 1997){{cite web |title=Cris Dishman NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DishCr00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 13, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1991)
• Johnny Drake – DB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1938, 1939, 1940){{cite web |title=Johnny Drake NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DrakJo21.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 13, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1940)
• Jim Everett – QB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1990){{cite web |title=Jim Everett NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EverJi00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 16, 2013}}
• Ed Flanagan – C
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1969, 1970, 1971, 1973){{cite web |title=Ed Flanagan NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FlanEd00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 16, 2013}}
• Tim Foley – CB/S
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1979){{cite web |title=Tim Foley NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FoleTi00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 16, 2013}}
• Abe Gibron – G
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1952, 1953, 1954, 1955){{cite web |title=Abe Gibron NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GibrAb00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 16, 2013}}
• Mel Gray – RB, WR, KR, PR
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1990, 1991, 1992. 1994){{cite web |title=Mel J. Gray NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrayMe00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 16, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1990, 1991, 1994)
• : NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
• Bob Griese – QB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978){{cite web |title=Bob Griese NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrieBo00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 16, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1971, 1977)
• : Miami Dolphins #12 retired
• : Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
• : Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990)
• Steve Griffin – WR, DB
• : ArenaBowl II MVP{{cite web |title=ArenaBowl II |url=http://www.arenafootball.com/history/arenabowl-II.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628105701/http://www.arenafootball.com/history/arenabowl-II.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=www.arenafootball.com |access-date=April 16, 2013}}
• Nick Hardwick – C
• : NFL Pro Bowl (2006){{cite web |title=Nick Hardwick NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HardNi55.htm.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 16, 2013}}
• Cecil Isbell – QB, RB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942){{cite web |title=Cecil Isbell NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/I/IsbeCe20.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 16, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1941)
• : Packers Hall of Fame
• : NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
• Larry Kaminski – C
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1967){{cite web |title=Larry Kaminski NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KamiLa00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Ryan Kerrigan – LB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018){{cite web |title=Ryan Kerrigan NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KerrRy00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=January 27, 2016}}
• Joe Krupa – DT
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1963){{cite web |title=Joe Krupa NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KrupJo00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Matt Light – OT
• : NFL Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2010){{cite web |title=Matt Light NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LighMa20.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (2007)
• Lamar Lundy – DE
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1959){{cite web |title=Lamar Lundy NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LundLa00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Joe Mihal – OT
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1940, 1941){{cite web |title=Joe Mihal NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MihaJo20.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Ookie Miller – C/G/LB

:: NFL All-Pro (1933){{cite web |title=Ookie Miller NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillOo20.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=January 28, 2022}}

• Raheem Mostert – RB

:: NFL Pro Bowl (2024)

• Elmer Oliphant – WB/TB

:: NFL All-Pro (1921){{cite web |title=Elmer Oliphant NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/O/OlipEl20.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=January 28, 2022}}

• Ken Panfil – OT
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1959){{cite web |title=Ken Panfil NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PanfKe00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• John Petty – FB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1942){{cite web |title=John Petty NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PettJo20.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Shaun Phillips – DE, LB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (2010){{cite web |title=Shaun Phillips NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/colleges/purdue/ |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Mike Pruitt – RB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1979, 1980){{cite web |title=Mike Pruitt NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PruiMi00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Jim Schwantz – LB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1996){{cite web |title=Jim Schwantz NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SchwJi00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Kory Sheets – RB
• : CFL All-Star ({{CFL Year|2013}})
• : Grey Cup Most Valuable Player ({{CFL Year|2013}})
• Kawann Short – DT
• : NFL All-Pro (2015)
• : NFL Pro Bowl (2016, 2018){{cite web |title=Kawann Short NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/ShorKa00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=January 27, 2016}}
• Anthony Spencer – DE

:: NFL Pro Bowl (2013){{cite web |title=Anthony Spencer NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SpenAn99.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=January 28, 2022}}

• Leo Sugar – DE
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1958, 1960){{cite web |title=Leo Sugar NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SugaLe00.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Keena Turner – LB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1984){{cite web |title=Keena Turner NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TurnKe01.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• Rod Woodson – DB
• : NFL Pro Bowl (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002){{cite web |title=Rod Woodson NFL Football Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodRo01.htm |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=April 18, 2013}}
• : NFL All-Pro (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2002)
• : Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
• : NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1993)
• : UPI AFL-AFC Player of the Year (1993)
• : NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
• : NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

{{Div col end}}

Of Purdue's 286 players selected in the NFL Draft, 58 Boilermakers have been amongst the top 50 selections of the draft.{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/colleges/purdue/drafted.htm |title=Purdue Drafted Players/Alumni |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=November 30, 2021}}

{{Div col|colwidth=27em}}

• Frank Loebs
• : 1936 – 27th overall by the New York Giants
• Dick Sandefur
• : 1936 – 39th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates
• Johnny Drake
• : 1937 – 10th overall by the Cleveland Rams
• Cecil Isbell
• : 1938 – 7th overall by the Green Bay Packers
• Marty Schreyer
• : 1938 – 22nd overall by the Green Bay Packers
• Joe Mihal
• : 1939 – 19th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles
• Lou Brock
• : 1940 – 24th overall by the Green Bay Packers
• Frank Bykowski
• : 1940 – 42nd overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Babe Dimancheff
• : 1944 – 19th overall by the Boston Yanks
• Dick Barwegan
• : 1945 – 44th overall by the Boston Yanks
• Ed Cody
• : 1946 – 36th overall by the Green Bay Packers
• Phil O'Reilly
• : 1948 – 45th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Bob Pfohl
• : 1948 – 46th overall by the New York Giants
• Bob DeMoss
• : 1949 – 13th overall by the New York Bulldogs
• Lou Karras
• : 1950 – 32nd overall by the Washington Redskins
• Earl Murray
• : 1950 – 41st overall by the Baltimore Colts
• Barry French
• : 1951 – 45t overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Pete Brewster
• : 1952 – 21st overall by the Chicago Cardinals
• Bernie Flowers
• : 1953 – 14th overall by the Baltimore Colts
• Dale Samuels
• : 1953 – 28th overall by the Chicago Cardinals
• Tom Bettis
• : 1955 – 5th overall by the Green Bay Packers
• Joe Krupa
• : 1956 – 17th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Dick Murley
• : 1956 – 39th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Len Dawson
• : 1957 – 5th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Lamar Lundy
• : 1957 – 47th overall by the Los Angeles Rams
• Erich Barnes
• : 1958 – 42nd overall by the Chicago Bears
• Tom Franckhauser
• : 1959 – 33rd overall by the Los Angeles Rams
• Ross Fichtner
• : 1960 – 33rd overall by the Cleveland Browns
• Don Brumm
• : 1963 – 13th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals
• Jim Garcia
• : 1965 – 17th overall by the Cleveland Browns
• Jerry Shay
• : 1966 – 7th overall by the Minnesota Vikings
• Bob Griese
• : 1967 – 4th overall by the Miami Dolphins
• John Charles
• : 1967 – 21st overall by the Boston Patriots
• Leroy Keyes
• : 1969 – 3rd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles
• Mike Phipps
• : 1970 – 3rd overall by the Cleveland Browns
• Dave Butz
• : 1973 – 5th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals
• Otis Armstrong
• : 1973 – 9th overall by the Denver Broncos
• Darryl Stingley
• : 1973 – 19th overall by the New England Patriots
• Gary Hrivnak
• : 1973 – 48th overall by the Chicago Bears
• Larry Burton
• : 1975 – 7th overall by the New Orleans Saints
• Mike Pruitt
• : 1976 – 7th overall by the Cleveland Browns
• Ken Novak
• : 1976 – 20th overall by the Baltimore Colts
• Ken Long
• : 1976 – 44th overall by the Detroit Lions
• Keena Turner
• : 1980 – 39th overall by the San Francisco 49ers
• Dave Young
• : 1981 – 32nd overall by the New York Giants
• Don Anderson
• : 1985 – 32nd overall by the Indianapolis Colts
• Jim Everett
• : 1986 – 3rd overall by the Houston Oilers
• Rod Woodson
• : 1987 – 10th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Fred Strickland
• : 1988 – 47th overall by the Los Angeles Rams
• Mike Alstott
• : 1996 – 35th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Drew Brees
• : 2001 – 32nd overall by the San Diego Chargers
• Matt Light
• : 2001 – 48th overall by the New England Patriots
• Anthony Spencer
• : 2007 – 26th overall by the Dallas Cowboys
• Dustin Keller
• : 2008 – 30th overall by the New York Jets
• Ryan Kerrigan
• : 2011 – 16th overall by the Washington Redskins
• Kawann Short
• : 2013 – 44th overall by the Carolina Panthers
• Rondale Moore
• : 2021 – 49th overall by the Arizona Cardinals
• George Karlaftis
• : 2022 – 30th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs

{{Div col end}}

{{See also|Purdue Boilermakers football statistical leaders}}

Schedule announced October 4, 2023{{Cite web |date=2023-10-04 |title=Big Ten Conference Announces Future Football Schedule Formats for 2024-28 |url=https://bigten.org/fb/article/blt39fc5a9dd81251cf/ |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=Big Ten Conference |language=en}}

(*) denotes protected matchup

Announced schedules as of September 11, 2024.{{cite web |url=https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/purdue/ |title=Purdue Boilermakers Future Football Schedules |website=FBSchedules.com |access-date=December 4, 2020}}

:There are no games scheduled for the 2032 season.

• American football in the United States
• College football

{{reflist|30em}}

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• [https://purduesports.com/sports/football Official website]

{{Purdue Boilermakers football navbox}}

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Category:American football teams established in 1887

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