2026 Purdue Football Depth Chart

Purdue’s quarterback room has a definitive pecking order. Ryan Browne returns as the clear QB1 after starting all 12 games in 2025. His 2,153 passing yards were modest and he tossed more picks than touchdowns, but importantly for fantasy he added 196 rushing yards and 4 scores on the ground. With no transfer brought in to challenge him, Browne’s job security is high – the staff has publicly backed him as “the guy” for 2026. Behind Browne, veteran Bennett Meredith projects as QB2 due to his experience (a former Arizona State transfer) and knowledge of the system. He should hold off younger options like redshirt sophomore Evans Chuba, who has intriguing tools but remains a developmental prospect after transferring from Wazzu. Browne’s dual-threat ability and firm grip on the job give him a fantasy edge, while Meredith and Chuba are mainly injury insurance with limited standalone value.

The Boilermakers’ backfield will feature a blend of proven production and blue-chip talent. Incoming transfer Jerrick Gibson gets the nod as RB1 on upside – the former top-100 recruit from Texas has three years of eligibility and flashed explosiveness as a freshman (377 yards and 4 TD for the Longhorns). Gibson’s burst and pedigree create a higher ceiling than returning sophomore Antonio Harris, though Harris will remain heavily involved. A onetime walk-on, Harris earned a scholarship and logged 305 yards on 69 carries with 2 TD last year, showing tough running and reliability. He’ll be a strong RB2 with a solid floor, even if Gibson gradually becomes the lead playmaker. Redshirt sophomore Jaheim Merriweather slots in as RB3 – at 6’2″ he’s the biggest back on the roster and was considered the most physically gifted of the young backs. Merriweather was eased in behind Harris last season, but he could see short-yardage and rotational work, especially if Purdue leans on the run game as expected. (Versatile FCS transfer Travis Terrell will also compete for touches, but his impact may be felt more on special teams and gadget plays.) The committee risk is real, but Gibson’s home-run ability and Harris’s all-around game make them the fantasy priorities, with Merriweather offering sleeper appeal if his role grows.

Wide receiver is a wide-open competition, but the influx of transfers gives us a blueprint. Asaad Waseem projects as the new WR1 – the FAU transfer put up 669 yards and 5 TD in 2025 and brings a polished skill set that Purdue desperately needs after losing last year’s top targets. He’s a good bet to lead the team in receptions. Opposite him, Ivy League import Bisi Owens looks like WR2 as a volume slot/possession receiver. Owens was prolific at Penn (138 catches, 1,664 yards, 11 TD over three seasons), and that reliability should translate into a steady role in this offense. The wildcard is former four-star De’Nylon Morrissette, now penciled in as WR3. Morrissette had a quiet 2025, but coaches maintain that his underwhelming stats (under 45% catch success) were more a product of scheme and chaos than his talent. Don’t be surprised if the light comes on in 2026 – his pedigree (ex-Georgia signee) and all-around ability give him a higher ceiling than the typical returning receiver, making him a classic post-hype breakout candidate. For WR4, we give the edge to redshirt freshman Jalil Hall, another former four-star. Hall brings something unique with his 6’4″ frame and “elite length”, offering a downfield and red-zone threat that complements the smaller receivers. He’ll battle JUCO transfer Ricky Sampson Jr., but Hall’s upside and long-term investment by the staff suggest he’ll earn a significant role. Sampson (6’4″ with a 606-yard JUCO season) slots in as a high-upside WR5 who can stretch the field or start if Hall isn’t ready. Rounding out the fantasy-relevant group is Xavier Townsend as WR6 – a speedy slot man who had moments at UCF/Iowa State. Townsend will be a gadget player and return specialist who sees situational targets. He’s a reliable veteran presence, but in terms of fantasy he likely serves as a complementary piece unless injuries push him up. Overall, Waseem and Owens should be target hogs early, with Morrissette a potential difference-maker if he capitalizes on his second chance. Hall and Sampson offer size that Purdue lacked, giving this receiving corps some intriguing boom/bust depth behind the new go-to guys.

At tight end, Purdue will prioritize athleticism and receiving skills – which puts George Burhenn firmly in the TE1 spot if he stays healthy. Burhenn has been lauded as one of the roster’s top talents, and now as a redshirt sophomore he’s poised to finally headline the position after injuries limited him. He has the size-speed combo to be a matchup problem up the seam and in the red zone, making him a fantasy sleeper at a thin position. The Boilermakers also brought in Kylan Fox from UCF, who profiles as TE2. Fox tallied 137 yards and a touchdown in limited action last year, and at 6’5″ with solid athleticism he should see the field in two-TE sets or if Burhenn’s health falters. Still, Burhenn’s upside as a true pass-catching tight end – rather than a blocker – gives him the edge. (Depth options like Jackson Berryman and Luca Puccinelli are on hand, but they project more as insurance and run-blocking help.) Finally, at kicker the job transitions to Seth Turner, who returns to take over after last year’s starter transferred out. Turner has been in the program and should be a serviceable option, making him the default K1. In summary, this fantasy depth chart balances proven producers with high-upside talent – we’re favoring playmakers who marry opportunity with pedigree, even if some are unproven. Expect some early-season shuffling, but these rankings reflect a confident bet on talent winning out where role battles are tight.