Purdue Secures Surprise Top-150 Recruit After Sudden Indiana Move—Could This Be a Game-Changer?

When a promising 6-foot-6 swingman like Jacob Webber throws his lot in with Purdue basketball, you sit up and take notice. Ranked No. 147 nationally by Rivals, Webber’s recent commitment is more than just another name on the Boilermakers’ roster — it’s a statement. After announcing his move to Indiana’s basketball powerhouse La Lumiere for his senior season, this Nebraskan sharpshooter, who racked up over 900 points in just 47 games at Kearney, brings real scoring firepower and versatility to Purdue’s future. And he’s not alone; joining forces with point guard Luke Ertel, the 2026 class is shaping up to be a formidable force, loaded with talent and high hopes. This infusion of fresh energy couldn’t come at a better time as the Boilermakers look to revitalize their lineup and extend their competitive edge. Curious how Webber’s arrival could reshape the landscape? You’re not alone — the basketball world is watching. LEARN MORE

• Jacob Webber, rated No. 147 nationally in the Rivals industry rankings, committed to Purdue on Tuesday.
• Webber announced in June he would spend his final high school season in Indiana at La Lumiere in LaPorte.
• Webber is the second commit in Purdue’s 2026 class, joining Mount Vernon’s Luke Ertel.

WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue basketball has added more potency to future lineups.

Jacob Webber, a 6-foot-6 wing, committed to the Boilermakers on Tuesday.

Webber will play for La Lumiere this season after spending the past two years at Kearney (Nebraska), where he scored 931 points over 47 games, averaging 21.7 points per game last season.

He joins point guard Luke Ertel (Mount Vernon) to give Purdue two top 150 recruits in its 2026 class, per Rivals industry rankings.

Webber had eight power conference offers, including Nebraska, Creighton, Tennessee, Iowa, Washington, Cincinnati and Cal.

How does Jacob Webber impact Purdue basketball?

Purdue’s current roster has five seniors, two of them whose strongest asset is outside shooting in Fletcher Loyer and Liam Murphy.

Webber made 171 3-pointers over the past two seasons at Kearney, shooting 42% from beyond the arc.

Webber averaged 3.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game last season. In a February victory over Benson High, Webber scored a career-high 32 points, sinking 10 of 20 3s.

Future Purdue basketball roster for 2026-27 season

The Boilermakers will lose Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Oscar Cluff, Loyer and Murphy that we know.

If everything else remains as is, Webber and Ertel will join a roster that will include Omer Mayer, Antione West Jr. and Jack Benter as sophomores and a junior crew of Daniel Jacobsen, C.J. Cox, Gicarri Harris and Raleigh Burgess as expected contributors. Walk-ons Jack Lusk and Jace Rayl as of now would be the only seniors and guard Aaron Fine would be a redshirt sophomore.

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