The Purdue Boilermakers have made a significant addition to their secondary by securing safety Jaden Mangham from the transfer portal. The former defensive back from Michigan and Michigan State brings valuable experience to Purdue”s defense.
During his four seasons in the Big Ten, Mangham has participated in 34 games. He is expected to make an immediate impact at Purdue following a solid 2025 season at Michigan, where he recorded 30 tackles and two pass break-ups. However, his 2024 season was limited to just one game due to injury.
Before his time at Michigan, Mangham spent two years at Michigan State. As a true freshman in 2022, he appeared in nine games and earned two starts. He excelled in his sophomore year during the 2023 season, playing in 11 games with 10 starts, amassing 53 tackles, seven pass break-ups, four interceptions, and a fumble recovery. His impressive performance earned him Academic All-Big Ten honors and an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
Purdue is actively enhancing its roster through the transfer portal. In addition to Mangham, the Boilermakers have also signed offensive lineman Micah Banuelos from USC. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound lineman has spent three seasons at USC, where he played in 11 games, including seven games and five starts during the 2025 season. Purdue has faced challenges in its offensive line and aims to strengthen that area with Banuelos” addition.
While the Boilermakers have several gaps to fill on their roster, the early moves in the transfer portal indicate a proactive approach to addressing these needs. Additionally, a Purdue defensive back who initially planned to enter the transfer portal after the 2025 season has decided to remain with the program and will return to West Lafayette next year.
Dustin Schutte, who has over a decade of experience in sports journalism, covers Purdue football and has a strong background in reporting on Big Ten athletics.
