Alabama vs. Purdue 2025-26: Can the Boilermakers Dethrone the Crimson Tide?

Thursday night is shaping up as a can’t-miss moment for college hoops fans, with Coleman Coliseum set to host a heavyweight clash that promises fireworks — the Alabama Crimson Tide versus the Purdue Boilermakers. These two squads, no strangers to each other, are about to face off for the third straight season, but for the first time in a while, it’s happening in Tuscaloosa, marking the first Coleman Coliseum encounter since 2009. Alabama’s been on the losing end in their last two bouts, dropping games in Toronto and on the road, so you can bet the Tide are itching to turn the tables this time around. Purdue rolls in as the nation’s top-ranked team, eager to extend their unbeaten streak. Here’s the lowdown on what makes this Boilermakers squad tick ahead of their latest showdown on Alabama’s home court. LEARN MORE

On Thursday night, Coleman Coliseum will play host to what will be the first of likely many Top 25 matchups during the 2025-26 season when the Alabama Crimson Tide and Purdue Boilermakers collide in a showdown between two of college basketball’s best.

A team that Alabama has become familiar with in recent years, this will be the third consecutive season in which the Crimson Tide will play the Boilermakers. However, this will be the first in Tuscaloosa during that span, as well as the first time the two have played in Coleman Coliseum since 2009.

Alabama has also lost both of those previous meetings with the Boilermakers the last two years, the most recent of which was an 87-78 road defeat a year ago. During the 2023-24 season, Alabama fell to Purdue on a neutral court in Toronto, 92-86.

Following is everything you need to know about Purdue entering the latest game with the Boilermakers on Thursday in Tuscaloosa.

Purdue Boilermakers 2025-26 team overview

A view of a sold-out Mackey Arena for the NCAA women's basketball game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Indiana Hoosiers, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Indiana Hoosiers won 69-46.

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The Purdue Boilermakers come to Tuscaloosa ranked as the nation’s No. 1 overall team, per the latest USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. Purdue is also currently undefeated at 2-0 overall with wins over Evansville and Oakland so far this season.

Purdue Boilermakers 2025-26 coaching staff

Nov 7, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter talks with guard Braden Smith (3) during the first half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Head Coach: Matt Painter
Assistant Coach: Brandon Brantley
Assistant Coach: Terry Johnson
Assistant Coach: Paul Lusk
Assistant Coach: P.J. Thompson
Assistant Coach: Sasha Stefanovic

The head coach of the Purdue Boilermakers is Matt Painter, who has been in control of the program since the 2005-06 season. Under the leadership of Painter, the Boilermakers own a combined 473-215 overall record with 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, as well as one Final Four.

Purdue Boilermakers 2025-26 stats

Nov 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) dribbles the ball in the second half against the Evansville Purple Aces at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Points Per Game: 84.5 (No. 131 in NCAA)
Points Per Game Allowed: 64 (No. 84 in NCAA)
Rebounds Per Game: 38.5 (No. 189 in NCAA)
Assists Per Game: 22 (No. 22 in NCAA)
Steals Per Game: 4 (No. 347 in NCAA)
Blocks Per Game: 5.5 (No. 52 in NCAA)
Field Goal Percentage: 47.2 (No. 144 in NCAA)
Three Point Percentage: 40.6 (No. 45 in NCAA)
Free Throw Percentage: 74.2 (No. 117 in NCAA)

The Boilermakers are currently averaging 84.5 points per game offensively, while also giving up 64 to opponents. In addition to those totals, Purdue is among the top teams in the Big Ten when it comes to assists and blocks a game with averages of 22 and 5.5, respectively.

Purdue Boilermakers 2025-26 players to know

Oct 24, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Fletcher Loyer (2) fives guard Braden Smith (3) during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Braden Smith, Guard, Senior
Fletcher Loyer, Guard, Senior
Oscar Cluff, Center, Senior
Jack Benter, Guard, Redshirt Freshman
Daniel Jacobsen, Center, Sophomore

Headlining this loaded Purdue roster is senior guard Braden Smith, a 2024-25 All-American who has led the Big Ten in assists per game the last two seasons, and is currently averaging 10 this season. The Boilermakers also have four players averaging in double figures in Smith, Oscar Cluff, and Jack Benter, as well as Fletcher Loyer, a senior guard who has averaged 22.5 points per game on 58.8% shooting from the field this season.

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