Purdue Transfer Portal Losses: 3 impact players Barry Odom lost during winter window ft. Dillon Thieneman

The Purdue Boilermakers had a disappointing season 2024 season. They finished 1-11 and weren’t competitive in most of their games. However, they still had legitimate talent.

After the disappointing season and welcoming a new head coach, the Boilermakers roster will change considerably for 2025. Purdue has 32 players entering the transfer portal, while landing 26 commitments already.

Among the players coming in who can contribute right away are former Arkansas quarterback Malachi Singleton, Virginia Tech running back Malachi Thomas and UNLV cornerback Tony Grimes.

However, the Boilermakers are also losing some talent. Here are the three biggest losses for Barry Odom’s team in the transfer portal.

3 impact players Purdue lost in the transfer portal

Max Klare was the sixth-leading tight end in recieving yards in the nation. - Source: Imagn

3. Will Heldt, Defensive End

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney usually doesn’t add transfer players. He landed Will Heldt in mid-December. That speaks of Heldt’s potential. The sophomore from Carmel, Indiana totaled 57 tackles, five sacks and a fumble recovery for the Boilermakers in 2024.

In Clemson he will join a national title contender and add a tough pass-rusher opposite TJ Parker. That’s a big loss for Purdue. They'll try to offset it with the additions of CJ Nunally, TJ Lindsey and Breeon Ishmail.

#2. Max Klare, Tight End

An example of the talent available in Purdue this season, Max Klare entered the transfer portal as the top tight end available. The sophomore from Guilford, Indiana has 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns in 2024.

Klare was approached by schools like Texas, Michigan and Texas A&M, but decided to take his talents to Columbus, where he’ll join Chip Kelly’s offense at Ohio State.

The 6-4, 240-pound tight end is a big target with sure hands in the middle of the field. He was the sixth-leading tight end in the nation in terms of receiving yards despite playing in the Boilermakers’ anemic offense in 2024.

#1. Dillon Thieneman, Safety

Despite playing on a 1-11 team, Dillon Thieneman was considered the top safety in the transfer portal. He was also named Freshman of the Year in 2023 by 247Sports after finishing with 106 tackles and six interceptions.

The safety from Westfield, Indiana didn’t have a slump in his second season, finishing with 104 tackles and seven passes defended. He also handled punt returns for the Boilermakers, fielding nine punts for 67 yards.

Thieneman’s departure is a tough blow for Purdue, ads he could have been a cornerstone for Barry Odom’s defense. The sophomore will play for the Oregon Ducks in 2025.