Purdue Football: 3 most impactful newcomers in 2023

It always seemed like current Louisville head coach, and former Purdue football coach, Jeff Brohm was biding his time until he returned home. Brohm is from Louisville and is one of the most prolific passers in the school’s history. Scott Satterfield’s departure to Cincinnati opened the door for the Cardinals’ favorite son to return.

Brohm left Purdue better than he found it. Darrell Hazell could not repeat the magic he found at Kent State, winning just nine games in West Lafayette. When Brohm took over for Hazell, Purdue had not been to a bowl game since 2012. He took them to the four bowl games in six seasons.

Head coach Ryan Walters is one of several newcomers that will impact Purdue football this fall. Here’s a closer look.

3. Hudson Card, QB

Anytime a program transitions coaches, having the quarterback position makes life easier in the first year. Texas transfer Hudson Card could help steady the ship for Ryan Walters. Card played well at Texas when he was healthy. With Quinn Ewers on the roster and Arch Manning on the way, the writing was on the wall for Card.

That said, Card could be the steal of the early portal period. He’s an elite athlete with an All-American caliber arm. His relationship with offensive coordinator Graham Harrell is why he ended up in West Lafayette. Harrell runs a quarterback-friendly offense that fits Card’s skill set to a tee.

The question mark about Card is health. An injury limited him in 2021 and 2022. The potential is off the charts, however. He was a top-100 player coming out of high school and the second-rated dual-threat quarterback in his class behind Bryce Young. Card has proven he can play, but Purdue has to protect him and try their best to keep him from injury.