The 3-2-1: Surprised by commitment of 2026 QB Oscar Rios? Don’t be
Three things learned. Two questions. One bold statement. It’s time for the 3-2-1, a look at Purdue football.
Three things learned
1 – Say “hello” to Oscar Rios!
The Class of 2026 quarterback committed to Purdue on Friday evening just days after visiting West Lafayette. Was it a surprise? A bit. But, from all accounts, the four-star product of Downey (Calif.) High had a smashing good time on campus.
Quarterbacks coach/OC Graham Harrell saw Rios live back in the spring when Harrell went to California to see some quarterbacks. He came back and raved about Rios. A love affair was born.
Rios is not like anyone Purdue has had here. Stylistically, some feel he has some Patrick Mahomes to him. He’s a hair over 6-3, but he’s a beanpole at 165 or so pounds. He has a great skill-set in terms of arm strength, athletic ability. And his ability to control the ball is elite. He is just scratching the surface of how good he can be. Once he starts eating right and lifting, watch out.
2 – Like father, like son
Cameron Gorin opted to follow father Brandon’s footsteps, committing to Purdue on Thursday night. It’s a nice pick-up for Ryan Walters. Gorin is a solid three-star prospect, the type of in-state player Purdue needs to reel in. Mission: Accomplished. He’s a legit 6-5, a good athlete who could be the left tackle one day. Lots of upside.
Making Gorin’s commitment even sweeter for Purdue fans is the fact he selected the Boilermakers over Louisville and Jeff Brohm.
3 – Camps are finished
Purdue held a specialists camp, team camp and three prospect camps in June. All told, probably close to 1,000 high school players made their way to campus for camps this month. And, offers went out (mostly to 2026 and 2027 recruits). The final camp–a prospect camp last Wednesday–was the biggest and most talent-laden.
Two 2025 recruits received camp offers this month: Centerville (Ohio) OL Kuol Kuol and Fort Wayne (Ind.) Homestead ILB Sam Steward. It would not be a shock to see either–or both–commit.
Two questions
1 – What does it mean to get Rios’ commitment now?
Quarterbacks are usually the first ones in a class to commit. To wit, last August, 2025 signal-caller Sawyer Anderson committed. Current true freshman Marcos Davila committed to the Boilermakers in March 2023.
Because quarterbacks commit so early and you typically sign only one per class, you’re almost always working a class ahead at that position vs. other positions. So, with Rios in the boat, the Purdue staff now will be able to focus on evaluations for 2027 quarterbacks.
2 – What is next in recruiting?
Official visits are over for now, as a “dead period” begins today and runs through July 25. Now, Purdue waits to see if any more commitments roll in following a busy June that saw myriad 2025 recruits visit campus for OVs.
This month, Purdue has seen three 2025 players commit: RB Jaron Thomas, TE Brian Kortovich and OT Cameron Gorin. And the staff also netted a pledge from Rios, a 2026 recruit.
Who’s next? 2025 LB Sam Steward is one to watch, along with 2025 DL Drayden Pavey and 2025 OL Kuol Kuol.
One bold statement: Purdue won’t finish last in the Big Ten
The top three college football preview magazines are out. And none think much of Purdue in 2024.
Athlon picks the Boilermakers last, while Phil Steele tabs Purdue to tie for 17th (which is last) with Michigan State. Lindy’s is the most kind, predicting a 16th place finish ahead of Illinois and Indiana.
So, why the low expectations?
Our guess: The jury remains out on Walters, a young head coach coming off a 4-8 debut who is still finding his way in his second season ever leading a program. Another reason for doubt: A brutal schedule deemed by many to be among the most daunting in the nation.
Most agree the talent appears to have been upgraded, and the energy around the program is positive. Now, Walters and Co., need to prove it playing in a stacked Big Ten. We know this: The doubters are motivating the staff and players.
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