Purdue's defense struggled mightily in 2025, finishing last in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed and tying for the conference's lowest interception total.
Coach Ryan Silverstein and his staff have responded by overhauling the secondary, bringing in eight transfer players who bring Power Four experience and a track record of production.
A Revamped Secondary Takes Shape
Among the returning pieces, senior safety Hudauri Hines and cornerback Smiley Bradford provide continuity, having combined for over 60 tackles and a pair of interceptions last season.
The most talked‑about addition is Mister Clark, whose breakout year saw him record 63 tackles, 6.5 sacks for loss and three picks, while Ta'Vari Hampton arrives from Iowa Western with a reputation as a tackling machine.
Other newcomers such as John Slaughter, Jaden Mangham and Dee Newsome add depth, while junior college All‑American Dax Noles brings a national championship pedigree from Iowa Western.
The Boilermakers now boast 24 players listed as defensive backs on the roster, a depth that could finally curb the 46 big plays of 20 yards or more that plagued them a year ago.
If the unit can translate practice performance into game situations, Purdue may finally climb out of the bottom tier of the conference and become a factor in the Big Ten race.