Purdue alleviated depth issues at the running back position through the portal.
Purdue returns one of the best running backs in their history for the 2025 season with Devin Mockobee controlling the backfield. Mockobee, who is now on his third head coach since arriving at Purdue, has been the one mainstay during two different transitions.
Purdue added a veteran to the backfield through the portal with Malachi Thomas from Virginia Tech.
At 6-0, 215 pounds, Thomas has durable size but battled some ankle injuries during his collegiate career. Before he left Virginia Tech, he tallied over 1,100 total yards and seven touchdowns.
He played backup to Bhayshul Tuten at Va Tech during the 2024 season. While he has been a career backup, he provides Purdue with a veteran to fall back on in case Devin Mockobee faces any type of injury during the fall 2025 season.
Grad transfer RB 1 year of eligibility remaining pic.twitter.com/tRSuG8SmUK
— Malachi HollyWood Thomas (@The__MT1) December 21, 2024