RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe rivalry between Purdue and Indiana has lost some steam in recent years, but Purdue Boilermakers athletic director Tommy McClellan stoked the fire in his initial press conference . He took a shot at Indiana football, saying, "We are here to win championships. If you don't want to win championships, go to Indiana."
It's a confusing jab to make at this point, since the Indiana Hoosiers are coming off a 2025 season where they went undefeated national champions. They put up the second-highest point differential (+479) for any team in college football history, behind the 2013 Florida State Seminoles , and they won their three College Football Playoff games by an average of 25 points per game.
Purdue, on the other hand, is coming off a 2025 season where they had a -157 point differential, ranking No. 4 for worst point differential among Power 4 opponents. The Boilermakers went 2-10, including 0-9 in the Big Ten. They have yet to make a bowl game since 2022, and they haven't won a national championship since 1931 (they didn't claim it).
NEW: Purdue AD Tommy McClelland in his introductory press conference: "We are here to win championships. If you don't want to win championships, go to Indiana." (via @BigTenNetwork ) https://t.co/pwjsY4Axo9 pic.twitter.com/nqIYR1ks8Q
— On3 (@On3) August 6, 2026
The Purdue vs. Indiana rivalry, also known as the "Old Oaken Bucket" rivalry, has been lopsided as of late. Although Purdue has the series lead, with a 77-44-6 record all-time, they've lost the last two games 66-0 (2024) and 56-3 (2025). McClellan and the Boilermakers will get to walk the walk against Indiana on Nov. 28, 2026.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: New Purdue AD takes baffling shot at Indiana in intro press conference
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