Purdue Football Transfer Portal: Key Updates and Returning Safety

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Purdue football is gearing up for the 2026 season with some bold moves in the transfer portal. The Boilermakers have zeroed in on key positions, bringing in players with real experience from big-time programs.

This post dives into the latest on Purdue’s transfer portal activity—who’s coming in, who’s sticking around, and who’s heading elsewhere. For a full breakdown, check out the source article.

Table of Contents

Key Acquisitions Through the Transfer Portal

Purdue’s been aggressive in filling roster gaps, locking in several high-profile transfers. These guys are expected to make an impact right away, and honestly, the team needed it.

Micah Banuelos: A Reunion with Josh Henson

Micah Banuelos, a former USC guard, is back with Offensive Coordinator Josh Henson, who coached him at USC. Banuelos brings a ton of experience to the O-line, having played in Henson’s system before.

Jaden Mangham: Strengthening the Secondary

Michigan safety Jaden Mangham has signed on after playing 13 games for the Wolverines in 2025. Mangham should help solidify Purdue’s secondary and add some much-needed depth.

Makai Saina: Bolstering the Offensive Line

Offensive lineman Makai Saina is another big get from USC. He joins Banuelos in making the move from Los Angeles to West Lafayette, giving the offensive line a real boost.

Jerrick Gibson: Adding Firepower to the Backfield

Texas running back Jerrick Gibson is also coming to Purdue. His playmaking skills as both a runner and receiver should give the Boilermakers’ backfield a new look.

Wisdom Simms: Reinforcing the Defensive Front

North Carolina Central defensive tackle Wisdom Simms has committed as well. Simms should add some real muscle to the defensive line, especially against the run.

Returning Players Who Withdrew from the Transfer Portal

Purdue didn’t just add new faces—they managed to keep some important guys who almost left.

Smiley Bradford: A Key Defensive Returnee

Safety Smiley Bradford, who notched 30 tackles and an interception in 2025, decided to withdraw from the portal. Bradford’s staying put, which is great news for the defense.

Other Notable Returnees

He’s not the only one. Safety D’Mon Marable and linebackers Winston Berglund and Owen Davis also checked out the portal before choosing to stick with Purdue. Their return keeps things steady on defense.

Departures from the Purdue Roster

Of course, while Purdue brought in new talent and kept some veterans, they also lost a handful of players to the portal. That opens up some spots for new guys to make their mark.

Notable Departures

Here’s a quick look at who left:

Bradyn Joiner: Center, started all 12 games in 2025, SEC All-Freshman in 2024.
Rico Walker: Tight end, 9 catches for 100 yards in 2025.
Arhmad Branch: Wide receiver, 14 catches, 212 yards, 2 TDs.
Chalil Cummings: Cornerback, 3 tackles, 2 pass breakups.
Carson Dean: Linebacker, played in 3 games.
Jamarrion Harkless: Defensive tackle, 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks.
Jimmy Johnsen: Offensive lineman, didn’t play in 2025.
Demeco Kennedy: Defensive tackle, 21 tackles, 3 TFL, 1.5 sacks.
Jaheim Merriweather: Running back, played in 5 games.
Marcus Moore: Defensive tackle, 2 tackles.
Hank Purvis: Offensive lineman, 11 games, 7 starts at guard.
John Randle Jr.: Offensive lineman, played in 2 games.
Alex Sanford Jr.: Linebacker, 46 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 fumble recovery.
Malachi Singleton: Quarterback, 59.4% completion, 439 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs; also ran for 202 yards and a TD.
Justin Schmidt: Long snapper, didn’t play in 2025.
Sterling Smith: Safety, 3 tackles in 12 games.
Joey Sumlin: Linebacker, didn’t play in 2025.
Jaron Thomas: Running back, 2 carries for 15 yards.
Nitro Tuggle: Wide receiver, 34 catches, 500 yards, 4 TDs.

Conclusion

Purdue football keeps shaking up its roster with bold moves in the transfer portal. They’re bringing in experienced players from well-known programs.

Some key contributors are coming back, which should help the Boilermakers stay competitive for the 2026 season. Sure, several players have left, but that just means new faces get a shot to step up.

If you want the latest updates or more details, check out Purdue’s transfer portal news at the source article.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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