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Purdue football: 3 reasons the Boilermakers will be back in 2022

By Christopher Mangum

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Broc Thompson #29 of the Purdue Boilermakers celebrates a touchdown reception against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Purdue defeats Tennessee 48-45 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Broc Thompson #29 of the Purdue Boilermakers celebrates a touchdown reception against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Purdue defeats Tennessee 48-45 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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In 2021, Jeff Brohm lead Purdue football to its first nine-win season since 2003. In 2022, the Boilermakers could have another over-achieving season.

Purdue football is riding high off of its Music City Bowl win over Tennessee and will now look to reload for another great year in 2022. From returning starters to coaching consistency, Purdue could be a real threat come next season.

Though the Boilermakers may not be considered a national contender just yet, Purdue could still find itself ranked and could easily accumulate eight or nine wins. A second straight eight-win season would be the first time the Boilermakers had achieved such a feat since 1997-98 when Drew Brees was under center.

3. Aidan O’Connell will be back

In 2021, Aidan O’Connell established himself as Purdue’s head man, posting 3,712 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. After leading the Boilermakers to a Music City Bowl win over Tennessee, the senior quarterback announced that he would be returning to Purdue in 2022.

O’Connell’s most recent game came against Tennessee, where he threw for 534 yards and five touchdowns. He would also lead the Boilermakers to an upset win over No. 3 Michigan State on Nov. 6, and (then-No.2) Iowa on Oct. 16. O’Connell would impress in both games, throwing for over 375 yards and numerous touchdowns against the Hawkeyes and Spartans.

O’Connell’s most significant setback in 2022 could be the loss of David Bell, the Boilermakers’ top receiver. In 2021 alone, Bell caught 93 passes for 1,286 yards and six touchdowns. Purdue’s next leader in receiving yards was Milton Wright who caught 57 passes for 732 yards.

To say the loss of Bell will hurt the Boilermakers’ offense would be an understatement, but the man under center is coming back, meaning Purdue’s offense will still be in good hands.

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