Those who have stayed: Top 11 Purdue players who didn't jump into transfer portal

The drip of players into the transfer portal turned into a wave last month in the wake of a coaching change at Purdue.

By the time the portal had closed on December 28th, Purdue had seen 37 portal entries. Twenty-five have found new homes; seven have withdrawn, five remain in the portal.

Almost all of Purdue’s biggest names hit the portal, including the big three of S Dillon Thieneman, DE Will Heldt, TE Max Klare. And more surely will be on their way out via the portal when the spring window opens April 16-25 as Barry Odom looks to flip the roster during his maiden season.

But not all of the best and most promising Boilermakers entered the portal. Here are the 11 top Purdue players who remained tethered to West Lafayette, never taking the plunge into the portal.

1 RB Devin Mockobee. Make no mistake about it: Mockobee had his share of suitors trying to lure him from West Lafayette. But, he’s wired differently. Yes, Mockobee likes money, but it’s not his driving force. He really wants a Purdue engineering degree. And he truly does love the school. Just ask him. Mockobee could have gotten more money elsewhere, but Purdue stepped up and met his needs. Just as vital to No. 45 staying was having RB coach Lamar Conard stay. Now, Mockobee is set up to finish his career as an all-time great Boilermaker running back who will forever be embraced as he plays for his third head coach.

2 DL Mo Omonode. The rambunctious nose tackle never wavered from his roots after matriculating from nearby West Lafayette High. Good thing for Purdue, as Omonode can serve as an anchor for a d-line that’s peppered with questions.

3 OL Joey Tanona. Hidden gem of sorts who has a captivating backstory made for Hollywood that at one time saw him give up football following a serious auto accident while playing at Notre Dame. Look at Tanona now. He is a former four-star talent who could be a special player at guard or tackle for an rebuilt o-line.

MORE: Who jumped in the portal for Purdue?

4 OL Bakyne Coly. The former staff was intrigued by the skill-set and potential of the 6-7 Coly, who also saw reps on the d-line in practices. He slowly has gotten bigger, stronger and better. The rangy, thoughtful and cerebral blocker who began his career at way-off-the-map Lawrence Tech looks poised to become a key cog.

5 DL Demeco Kennedy. He found his way on the field as a true freshman in 2024, which said a lot. Kennedy is a prototype Big Ten interior lineman, an active force who–as scouts like to say–plays to the echo of the whistle. In coaching parlance, Kennedy is “a cut above.”

6 TE George Burhenn. The lithe athlete is the lone scholarship tight end left from 2024. Crazy, huh? No one doubts his speed and athletic ability of the former prep hurdler. But, Burhenn can’t stay healthy. The new staff has to find a way to use him. He drips with potential.

MORE: Who is coming to Purdue from the portal?

7 RB Jaheim Merriweather. The angular runner had some ball-secruity issues as a true freshman. Still, his combination of size (6-2, 210) and speed is tantalizing. The new staff has to see what it has in this intriguing talent.

8 OL Jaden Ball. Small-school product plays the offensive line like a defensive lineman. That aggressive attitude and mind-set is rare for blockers. Bottom line: Ball could be special.

9 S Smiley Bradford. He cracked the two-deep late in the season and ended up starting five games as a true freshman. Bradford is mature for his age, and his best football is ahead of him.

10 DL Chops Harkless. It was vital that he got in better shape. Mission: Accomplished. The 346-pounder is a mammoth presence who can make a difference if used properly and in proper doses.

11 DE C.J. Madden. Injury limited the Georgia transfer to three games in 2024. Madden flashed in spots, and the previous staff thought it had something in him. He has talent. Will Madden tap it? This line is desperate for pass rushers.

MORE: GoldandBlack.com content hub: Welcome to the Barry Odom era 

Our first Gold and Black Radio of the year as host @Schultz975 chats up @TomDienhart1 to talk about #Purdue's wave of portal commits and @brianneubert about the Boilermakers trip to Rutgers. 🔽🔽🔽 pic.twitter.com/ZWDJfeR7VU

— GoldandBlack.com (@GoldandBlackcom) January 7, 2025