IMPROVED: Why Purdue’s Defense Will ELEVATE in 2026—Who Steps Up?

Purdue Boilermakers’ defense could shine in 2026 as key offensive players graduate. Can rising stars like Caden Pierce, CJ Cox, and Gicarri Harris transform Purdue’s perimeter defense and address last season’s three-point struggles? Nick Arvin breaks down the anticipated roster changes, defensive upgrades, and lingering questions around the frontcourt’s physicality—especially the roles of Daniel Jacobsen and Pierce against Big Ten rivals. On the recruiting front, Purdue faces intrigue as Chase Richardson commits to Texas A&M, leaving the Boilermakers focused on securing top point guard targets Kevin Savage and Reese Alston, plus elite big man Isaiah Hill for 2027. Wrapping up, Purdue baseball aims for a regional berth for the first time since 2018, highlighted by a pivotal series against #21 USC. Can Sam Flores and company deliver when it matters most? Don’t miss Nick Arvin’s deep dive into Purdue’s basketball and baseball future. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.