Purdue’s High-Stakes USC Weekend: Which Top Recruits Could Change the Game?

When the Boilermakers hit Ross-Ade Stadium for their Big Ten opener, it’s not just about the game on the field—it’s also a crucial weekend for Purdue’s recruiting efforts. They’re expecting a whirlwind day with 54 prospects touring the campus ahead of the 3:30 p.m. kickoff against USC. Among the crowd, seven talented athletes have already given their verbal commitment to the 2026 class, and some tantalizing future stars from the 2027, ‘28, and ‘29 classes will also be in town, making the atmosphere as electric off-field as on. With key in-state players like defensive tackle Kobe Cherry and offensive lineman Brock Brownfield locked in, plus a crop of high-profile recruits buzzing around, Purdue’s future looks as exciting as their matchups. This weekend’s buzz isn’t just about today’s game—it’s about paving the way for tomorrow’s Boilermakers. LEARN MORE

WEST LAFAYETTE — The Big Ten opener at Ross-Ade Stadium is a big recruiting weekend for Purdue football.

The Boilermakers are expecting 54 visitors for the 3:30 p.m. kickoff against USC.

Among them are seven verbal commits to Purdue’s 2026 class, along with some high profile targets in the 2027, ’28 and ’29 classes.

In-state prospects defensive tackle Kobe Cherry and New Palestine offensive lineman Brock Brownfield, as well as offensive lineman Rico Schreiber, defensive tackle Jamarcus Whyce, linebacker Brayden Sweeney defensive end Aiden Solecki and cornerback Emoni Smith already have pledged their intent to sign with the Boilermakers.

An intriguing in-state name is Brownsburg’s Branden Sharpe, who ranks second in Indiana through three games with 448 receiving yards, according to MaxPreps. Sharpe caught the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter that helped Brownsburg win last year’s Class 6A state championship.

Another Indiana state champion from last season, Mason Oglesby of New Palestine, is one of six tight ends with Purdue offers who’ll be on campus, a list that includes 2028 tight end Jack McNamara from Brother Rice in Chicago. McNamara is the No. 4 tight end nationally in 247Sports’ 2028 rankings. McNamara’s high school teammate Kameron McGee is 247’s No. 2 edge rusher nationally in 2028 and a top 10 overall recruit in the class and also is expected to be in West Lafayette.

Purdue is bringing in just one quarterback this weekend, class of 2028 Chase Grove from North Central in Indianapolis.

Purdue football recruiting visitors vs. USC

Class: Player, position, high school (state) In-state prospects in bold.

2026: Jonatan Bezverhinii, OL, North Central; Brock Brownfield, OL, New Palestine; Kobe Cherry, DT, Center Grove; Carter Payne, K/P, Heritage Hills; Garrett Ranes, LB, New Palestine; Rico Schreiber, OL, Marist (Illinois); Bode Shoaps, K/P, Granville (Ohio); Emoni Smith, CB, Westland (Ohio); Aiden Solecki, DE, Downers Grove North (Illinois); Brayden Sweeney, LB, Catholic Central (Michigan); Jamarcus Whyce, DT, Trotwood-Madison (Ohio)

2027: Ryelin Abbott, OL, Perry Meridian; Dominic Black, OL, Tri-Village (Ohio); Matthew Brady, LB, Central Catholic (Illinois); Jaeden Byrd, CB, Brighton (Michigan); Jayden Cawthon, WR, Lincoln-Way East (Illinois); Mason Cerovac, LB, Olmsted Falls (Ohio); Chris Flores Jr., WR, Orange Lutheran (California); Maddox Hager, TE, Boyle County (Kentucky); Mason Halliman, OL, Lincoln-Way East (Illinois); Lundon Hampton, S, Kenowa Hills (Michigan); Maximus Hunt, TE, Holy Cross (Kentucky); Brady Johnson, TE, Glenbard West (Illinois); Colton Johnson, TE, Upperman (Tennessee); Bryce Kish, TE/LB, Howell (Michigan); Quentin Lea, LB, Rock Bridge (Missouri); Owen Matela, TE, Lyons Township (Illinois); Mason Oglesby, TE, New Palestine; Emmanuel Ohene-Dwumfour, DT, North Central; Germere Sanchez, S, Westland (Ohio); Branden Sharpe, WR, Brownsburg; Joshua Shaw Jr., DT, IC Catholic Prep (Illinois); Collin Shedwill, LB, Providence Catholic (Illinois); Trevon Smith, WR, Colerain (Ohio); Keontay Toomer, S, Ben Davis; Carter Wallace, RB, Valley View (Arkansas); Josiah Wallace, OL, Glenbard West (Illinois); Zechariah Wallace, S, Warren Central; Larron Westmoreland, S, Jeffersontown (Kentucky)

2028: Anthony Carter, CB, Providence Catholic (Illinois); Chase Grove, QB, North Central; Javier McCoy, LB, Andrean; Kameron McGee, DE, Brother Rice (Illinois); Jack McNamara, TE, Brother Rice (Illinois); Dean Schnitzler, TE, Moeller (Ohio); Theo Schott, TE, Zionsville

2029: Tylan Florey, LB, Valley View (Arkansas); Isaiah Mills, RB, Regents School (Texas); Caiden Snow, TE, Westfield

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.