Purdue news: New AD issues world’s most tone-deaf Indiana callout

The state of Indiana is home to four FBS college football programs. Two of the four, Indiana and Notre Dame, are ranked in the top six of the first Coaches’ Poll. Meanwhile, Purdue is an afterthought in the Big Ten.

Someone probably should have let new Purdue athletic director Tommy McClelland know that fact before he took to the stage for his introductory press conference. McClelland took a shot at Indiana when taking to the stage, per Colin McMahon of On3.

“We are here to win championships. If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana,” McClelland said.

Maybe he meant to say “if you want to win championships”? Indiana just did that in football. Over the last two years, Indiana is 27-2, has been to the College Football Playoff twice, and won the National Championship. Meanwhile, Purdue has won just seven games in the last three years combined. They have not won a game in the Big Ten since 2023.

In fact, Purdue may be the worst FBS football team in the state of Indiana. Notre Dame has won 34 games in the last three years and played for the national championship at the end of the 2024 season. Even Ball State has more wins. Ball State has won 11 games in the past three seasons.

Purdue has won just three national championships, with the last being in women’s gold in 2010. They also claim a 1932 title in basketball, but that was not given by the NCAA. They also have a 1999 women’s basketball title and a 1961 men’s golf title.

Meanwhile, Indiana has 24 NCAA titles, including one in college football.

Maybe instead of throwing shade at a team experiencing success, Purdue can focus on not getting last in the Big Ten this year.