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Defensive Line has plenty to prove

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•02/24/25•

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CJ Madden (Krockover Photography)

It is full-steam ahead on the 2025 season for Purdue, as Barry Odom looks to take the next step in building his first Boilermaker squad when spring ball kicks off on March 4.

This is a series of position-by-position breakdowns of the 2025 Purdue team as it preps for spring football.

MORE position analysis: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | OL

DEFENSIVE LINE

Player, class
E Landon Brooks, Fr.
T Drake Carlson, So.
T Jamarius Dinkins, Sr.
T Jamarrion Harkless, So.
T Caleb Irving, RFr.
E Breeon Ishmail, So.
T Demeco Kennedy, So.
E/T TJ Lindsay, So.
E C.J. Madden, Jr.
E CJ Nunnally, 5thSr.
T Mo Omonode, Sr.
E Jamari Payne, RFr.
E Trey Smith, So.
T Joe Strickland

NOTES:

• Like most every other spot on the roster, the d-line endured rampant change with players coming and going via the portal.

• The team saw four key contributors pack up and leave: Cole Brevard, Will Heldt, Damarjhe Lewis and Jeffrey M’Ba. The biggest loss was Heldt, who teems with potential he was just beginning to reach. Losing Brevard–an anchor inside who ate up blocks–also stings.

• Who will rush the passer? That search will begin in earnest this spring. Keep an eye on Akron transfer CJ Nunnally. Michigan transfer Breeon Ishmail got lost in a crowded depth chart in Ann Arbor. What’s he got? TJ Lindsey is a big body from Auburn who could play on the edge or the interior.

• The best pass rusher may be CJ Madden, who played in just three games in 2024 after transferring from Georgia. It’s time for him to stand and deliver the goods.

• Myriad questions loom at tackle. The lone sure thing is Mo Omonode, a dynamo who empties his bucket on each snap. After that, who will emerge?

• This is a big spring from Jamarrion “Chops” Harkless and Demeco Kennedy, two promising young players. Caleb Irving is another young gun who needs to seize the moment. Drake Carlson is a grinder.

• Will Purdue get anything out of Jamarius Dinkins, who was a non-factor in 2024 after transferring from Kentucky?

DEFENSIVE LINE PORTAL ADDITIONS (3)

Player, school
E Breeon Ishmail, Michigan
E/T TJ Lindsey, Auburn
E CJ Nunnally, Akron

DEFENSIVE LINE PORTAL DEPARTURES

NameClass
Cole Brevard (Texas)Sr.
Will Heldt (Clemson)So.
Damarjhe Lewis (SMU)Jr.
Jeffrey M’Ba (SMU)Sr.

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