Kai Higgins, a former defensive end who wore the Boilermaker uniform from 2017 through 2020, carved out a modest yet impactful presence on Purdue’s defensive line.
During his collegiate tenure he amassed 50 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a pair of interceptions, numbers that reflect a player who contributed in key moments.
His football journey began at Chaffey College in California, where in just nine games he posted 25 tackles and three sacks, drawing the attention of Big Ten programs.
Jeff Brohm, then in his early years as Purdue’s head coach, recruited Higgins as a junior‑college transfer in 2017, a move that helped the Boilermakers rebound enough to secure a bowl invitation that season.
On the field, Higgins demonstrated versatility, starting all 13 games in 2018 and logging a season‑high six tackles against both Wisconsin and Auburn in the Music City Bowl.
Defining Moments
A standout moment came in 2018 when he intercepted a pass against Boston College, a play that underscored his knack for turning defense into offense.
The following year he started nine of twelve contests, contributing two tackles for loss in a pivotal victory over Nebraska, and later helped the team avoid a loss at Eastern Michigan with a sack, a tackle for loss, and an interception.
Though his statistical footprint was not overwhelming, Higgins’ influence was felt in critical drives and the overall momentum shifts that characterized Purdue’s most competitive seasons under Brohm.
While Higgins eventually moved on from the program, his contributions remain part of the narrative that helped Purdue transition from a rebuilding phase to a more competitive outfit in the late 2010s.