Purdue commit Ethan Trent looks to carry on brother Tyler Trent's legacy: 'My brother can live through me'
It’s not often a preferred walk-on creates headlines on national signing day. But that’s the case with Purdue commitment Ethan Trent, who pledged to the Boilermakers today.
Trent is the younger brother of late Purdue super fan Tyler Trent, who captured the hearts of America back in 2018 as he heroically battled cancer and helped raise money to fight the disease. Along the way, Tyler Trent endeared himself to the team before passing away at age 20. Ethan Trent remembers what Tyler meant to Purdue.
“How much the players cared about him, and how much it seemed like he’s really impacted everyone around him,” said Trent.
Tyler Trent was often at Boilermaker games, becoming ensconced with the program before passing away in January 2019. Trent’s legacy still resonates at Purdue.
The school dedicated the student entrance to Ross-Ade Stadium in honor of Tyler Trent in 2019. And the Tyler Trent foundation is dedicated to continuing Tyler’s mission to support pediatric cancer awareness and research in honor of his memory.
Now, Ethan Trent can help carry on his brother’s legacy.
“It’s gonna mean everything,” said Trent. “I mean, obviously, there’s a legacy there and to me there’s unfinished work that needs to be finished. So, I feel like my brother can live through me and my family can live through me. I’m excited.”
Tyler Trent’s story became known to the nation during Purdue’s stunning 49-20 win vs. No. 2 Ohio State in Ross-Ade Stadium on October 20, 2018, in front of an ESPN national audience.
“I remember after the Ohio State game, getting in the car and just being like, ‘What just happened? That was a dream.’ And then just pushing them on the field and stuff.”
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Ethan Trent was a star center for perennial powerhouse Carmel High who had been committed to Indiana State. But all that changed soon after Purdue hired new coach Ryan Walters last week.
“I got in contact with Coach Walters at my school last week,” said Trent. “And, basically, he just let me know that I had the opportunity to play there. And he’s very welcoming and open. He knew who I was. And this was the day after he got hired.
“So, I sat down with my family, had a lot of conversations, talked to people I trust and I decided it’s the best thing for me.”
What are the strengths of the 6-2, 275-pound Trent?
“I play with good leverage, strength, have good, patient hands,” said Trent. “Good feet. I’m fast.”
Trent will come to Purdue with two Carmel teammates in the Class of 2023: DB Winston Berglund and DE Will Heldt. Trent plans to arrive on campus in the summer.
“That means the world (to play with Heldt and Berglund),” said Trent. “The past four years at Carmel, busting our butts. We all got here together and now we’re all about to finish it off at Purdue. That means everything.”
