Purdue football is buzzing, and guess who’s adding to the hype? Legendary QB Drew Brees has given his full backing to new head coach Barry Odom, calling him the right man to rebuild the Boilermakers. After a tough 2024, can Odom lead Purdue to a turnaround season in 2025?

The landscape of Purdue football is abuzz with a renewed sense of optimism as legendary Boilermaker quarterback Drew Brees has unequivocally thrown his support behind new head coach Barry Odom, asserting he is precisely the right leader to guide the program forward in West Lafayette.

Odom’s tenure, though officially underway, is poised to truly kick off with his inaugural game at the helm of Purdue football. This pivotal moment has ignited excitement among the faithful, particularly with Brees expressing strong confidence in Odom’s vision and leadership for the future of the Boilermakers.

Speaking during a discussion about his partnership with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference for the We Give Blood Drive, Brees elaborated on his endorsement. He highlighted Odom’s impressive track record, emphasizing his successes not only as a player but also as a highly effective defensive coordinator during his time at Missouri and his significant role in the turnaround at UNLV.

The task facing Barry Odom in his first year at Purdue is undeniably formidable. The Boilermakers are looking to rebound from a challenging 1-11 campaign in 2024, one of the most difficult seasons in the program’s history. However, Odom has consistently refused to use past performance as an excuse since his arrival, signaling a clear intent to forge a new path.

Brees firmly believes that the combination of incoming new talent and a refreshed coaching staff provides a solid foundation for excitement regarding the program’s future. He sees this period as a crucial opportunity for Odom to meticulously build Purdue football from the ground up, fostering a culture of success and resilience.

Beyond the internal rebuilding efforts, Odom’s inaugural season presents significant external challenges. The Purdue Boilermakers are scheduled to face five formidable opponents ranked in the Associated Press preseason top 25, including powerhouses like No. 6 Notre Dame, No. 12 Illinois, No. 14 Michigan, No. 3 Ohio State, and No. 20 Indiana.

As a former Purdue quarterback who excelled in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference, Brees intimately understands the rigorous demands of such a schedule. Yet, he views these tough matchups not as hindrances but as invaluable opportunities for Odom and the entire program to make a powerful statement and capture national attention in 2025.