WEST LAFAYETTE — The last 1,000-yard rusher for Purdue football came 18 years ago when Kory Sheets hit the milestone in 2008.
The Boilermakers may not break that drought this season, but it doesn’t mean the backfield is incapable.
Purdue found the importance of depth last season when Antonio Harris was the go-to back out of necessity as much as anything else. Now an experienced Harris returns with a band of new backfield mates plucked from the transfer portal. Purdue could rely on anywhere from three to four running backs, position coach Cornell Ford believes.
The question remains how and who will those reps be distributed.
Purdue’s running backs
Who is back (2025 stats): Antonio Harris, junior (305 rushing yards, 2 TD; 17 rec., 137 yards); Carter Holsworth, sophomore
New faces: Fame Ijeboi, sophomore (441 yards rushing, 2 TDs; 12 rec., 54 yards, TD at Minnesota in 2025); Jerrick Gibson, sophomore (529 rushing yards, 5 TDs in two seasons at Texas); Travis Terrell Jr., junior (2,368 all-purpose yards, 11 TDs in two seasons at Jackson State); Izaiah Wright, freshman
Travis Terrell Jr. brings versatility
In the words of head coach Barry Odom, Jackson State transfer Travis Terrell Jr. is getting close to being an every down back. That doesn’t necessarily mean Terrell will play a majority of snaps in the backfield, but rather he’s starting to possess the skills needed for any situation from blocking to pass catching in addition to taking handoffs.
He’s been electric throughout fall camp and can be utilized as a receiver, running back and return man. In 2024, Terrell returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and has nine rushing touchdowns over two seasons. Purdue is using him in a lot of different ways.
Big Ten experience
Antonio Harris isn’t the only running back who got Big Ten reps last season. Minnesota gave Fame Ijeboi opportunities and he capitalized on his time as a Golden Gopher.
After a career-ending injury to Devin Mockobee last season, Harris earned two starts for Purdue. In Minneapolis, Ijeboi provided a solid 1-2 punch alongside Darius Taylor.
“It really allowed me to get real comfortable out there, see the field and slow down,” said Ijeboi, who averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 97 carries last season. “That was the biggest thing is being able to slow down the field for me, get more calm and have more confidence in myself.”
Where do the reps go?
This is a position that may take more time to thin out as there isn’t a lot of separation between backs one and four. Ijeboi might have the nod as the most trusted back given his production as a freshman for an eight-win Gophers team.
A perceived power back in a 215-pound body, running backs coach Cornell Ford also raved about Ijeboi’s footwork and deceptive speed.
Taylor is the quickest and fastest back, and Harris will certainly have chances. Gibson got some reps at Texas but right now needs to catch up on a few things. Traditionally, Ford has rotated three backs throughout his career, but he isn’t opposed to more if all can prove trustworthy.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: With no clear No. 1, Purdue embraces strength in numbers at running back
Reporting by Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Indianapolis Star
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By Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier | USA TODAY Network
