Purdue lands commitment from UCF QB EJ Colson via portal
Purdue has added a second quarterback from the transfer portal: EJ Colson of Central Florida.
The 6-1, 200-pound Colson was a true freshman last year at Central Florida. He is the third portal commitment of the day for Purdue, and the fourth portal pledge overall for new Boilermaker coach Barry Odom.
Colson played in three games in 2024 for the Knights, hitting 9-of-16 passes (56 percent) for 64 yards with a touchdown and interception. He also ran 13 times for 14 yards. Colson started one game: vs. Cincinnati. He played in the first half vs. the Bearcats and completed only one pass. Colson became the first freshman to start for the Knights at quarterback since 2021.
Colson originally committed to UCF as a three-star recruit in its 2025 recruiting class. But at 17 years old, he reclassified last December and enrolled in Orlando in June.
He got his most playing time against Utah, completing eight-of-12 passes for 70 yards, one touchdown and one interception (pick six) in relief of struggling starter Dylan Rizk.
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Colson was a three-year starter at Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Ga., throwing for 5,969 yards, 68 touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing for 1,354 yards and 16 TDs.
Last week, Purdue landed a commitment from Arkansas quarterback Malachi Singleton.
With Hudson Card out of eligibility and Ryan Browne (North Carolina) and Marcos Davila (Nebraska) gone via the portal, Purdue has a yawning need at quarterback.
Purdue recently hired former UCF co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Darin Hinshaw, who coached Colson in Orlando. Hinshaw will coach quarterbacks in West Lafayette.
MORE: GoldandBlack.com content hub: Welcome to the Barry Odom era | Purdue lands portal commitment from Arkansas QB Malachi Singleton | Arkansas LB Alex Sanford commits | Purdue lands Arkansas LB Carson Dean
