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Purdue AD Urges Recruits to Choose Indiana for Championships

8/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Purdue hired athletic director (AD) Tommy McClelland and told recruits to “go to Indiana” if they don’t want championships.
Pat McAfee called the remark a flop, likening it to a tee shot that sank.
McClelland said his priority is building Purdue championship programs, noting Indiana entered 2026 as football national champion.
He reminded that Purdue’s only title since 2010 is women’s golf and pledged streams and spread Matt Painter’s success.

History

Historical Context

After leaving the NFL, Pete Carroll took over USC, and by 2006 the Trojans had compiled a 65-12 record, won two national championships (2003, 2004) and secured five Pac-10 titles. His rapid turnaround became a benchmark for aggressive rebuilding in college football. Purdue AD Tommy McClelland now cites Carroll’s model as he urges the Boilermakers to compete with Indiana for Big Ten recruits.

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Story summary

Purdue hired athletic director (AD) Tommy McClelland and told recruits to “go to Indiana” if they don’t want championships.
Pat McAfee called the remark a flop, likening it to a tee shot that sank.
McClelland said his priority is building Purdue championship programs, noting Indiana entered 2026 as football national champion.
He reminded that Purdue’s only title since 2010 is women’s golf and pledged streams and spread Matt Painter’s success.

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