The Purdue Boilermakers are set to take on the Washington Huskies on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. This matchup highlights the emotional stakes for both teams, particularly for Purdue”s head coach, Barry Odom, who has deep ties to the program.
Odom, who previously coached at Missouri, understands the complexities of facing former friends and colleagues on the opposing sideline. “A number of things are based around relationships, and as you change colors, that doesn”t change the relationship,” he reflected on the challenging dynamics of this game. His brother, Brian Odom, serves as the inside linebackers coach for Washington and also shares a history with Barry, having spent time coaching together at Missouri.
After a tumultuous period under former head coach Ryan Walters, who was dismissed after a disappointing tenure, Odom took the reins at Purdue. The Boilermakers started the season strong with victories over two Football Championship Subdivision teams, but they have since struggled, currently on a 19-game losing streak against FBS opponents and a school-record 15 consecutive losses in conference play.
However, the players are motivated to turn their fortunes around. Linebacker Xe”ree Alexander expressed the team”s determination, stating, “It definitely means a lot for us. The whole defense is fired up. The whole team is fired up just to go out this week and ball out.”
While Walters prepares to face a Purdue roster that has undergone significant changes, he remains thankful for the opportunity he had with the Boilermakers. “I am appreciative of my time there and the experience I had,” Walters commented, highlighting the importance of his previous role in his coaching journey.
As the Odom brothers prepare for their first head-to-head coaching matchup, the anticipation for this game continues to build. With personal relationships on the line, both teams will be eager to prove their worth on the field.
