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Barry Odom

Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Barry Odom across Football.

102 articles

Purdue Eyes Travis Terrell Jr. as Versatile Backfield Weapon

Purdue is courting Jackson State transfer Travis Terrell Jr., a 5‑foot‑9, 180‑pound athlete from Jackson State. Despite his modest stature, Terrell has drawn attention for his explosive speed and ability to handle contact, traits that coaches say translate well to the Big Ten grind.

Aug 27, 2026

Purdue Boilermakers Eye Turnaround in 2026 with Roster Upgrades and Lighter Big Ten slate

Purdue University’s football program, which finished the 2025 season with a 2‑10 record, is pinning its hopes on a revitalized roster and a more forgiving Big Ten schedule as it looks ahead to the 2026 campaign. Freshman Brock Brownfield, a New Palestine native, has already drawn first‑team offensive line reps and is being touted as a potential Big Ten All‑Freshman selection, giving the line a youthful spark. The backfield will also benefit from the return of Antonio Harris, who was last year’s second‑leading rusher, and the arrival of three transfer backs who should add versatility and stamina to the ground game. At the receiving end, Xavier Townsend, a transfer with a reputation for speed and reliability, is projected to become the primary target, offering the offense a dynamic playmaker. Defensively, the Boilermakers are aiming for 30 sacks, a milestone they have achieved only once in the past six seasons; interior lineman Charles Correa, who recorded three sacks last year, is expected to anchor that effort. The schedule itself presents a strategic advantage, with conference matchups against UCLA, Minnesota, Maryland, Wisconsin and Illinois providing opportunities to convert those games into wins. If the offense clicks and the defense meets its sack target, analysts suggest Purdue could secure three Big Ten victories, positioning the team for a more competitive season and perhaps a surprise upset in the postseason.

Aug 26, 2026

Purdue’s Running Back Committee Poised for 2025 Reinvention

Purdue University is set to rely on a shared backfield approach in 2025, featuring returning junior Antonio Harris, transfer Travis Terrell Jr., sophomore Fame Ijeboi and Jerrick Gibson, while coaches emphasize flexibility over a single star.

Aug 24, 2026

Purdue’s top tackle Joey Tanona sidelined with ankle sprain as new starter emerges

Joey Tanona, Purdue’s 6‑6, 310‑pound offensive tackle, endured an ankle sprain during practice, missing the final three sessions and a scrimmage. The injury has opened the door for Nuku Mafi to assume the left tackle position, while the team also copes with season‑ending knee injuries to Kylan Fox and Raderrion Daniels ahead of the September 4 opener versus Indiana State.

Aug 17, 2026

Marcus Freeman skips preseason coaches poll amid Notre Dame’s top‑five ranking

Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman chose not to participate in the 2024 preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, a departure from previous years. His absence coincides with the Irish securing a No. 5 preseason ranking and five first‑place votes, reflecting a broader pattern among top coaches who increasingly delegate ballot responsibilities.

Aug 5, 2026

Marcus Freeman Skips Coaches Poll Amid Playoff Ambitions

Marcus Freeman, head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, chose not to participate in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, delegating the task to his staff. The omission comes as the program pushes for a spot in the 2025 College Football Playoff, a selection process now driven by a committee rather than polls.

Aug 5, 2026