A Look Back at Purdue Basketball: Oscar Cluff

TL;DR

Oscar Cluff contributed significantly to Purdue Basketball during the 2025-2026 season, averaging 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His presence in the post helped the team reach the Elite Eight, fulfilling a crucial need after a teammate's injury.

Key points

Oscar Cluff averaged 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game
He helped Purdue reach the Elite Eight in the 2026 NCAA Tournament
Cluff was a one-year transfer from South Dakota State
Daniel Jacobsen is expected to replace Cluff's production
Cluff's presence improved Purdue's rebounding efficiency

Oscar CluffDaniel JacobsenZach EdeyPurdue Boilermakers

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats drives around Oscar Cluff #45 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images Oscar Cluff, a man. The big man from Down Under filled an immediate need for Purdue, one that it lacked during the previous season after the broken leg that was sustained by Daniel Jacobsen. Cluff came to Purdue as one of the best rebounders in the country and one of the most efficient rebounders in the nation as well. After the 2025-2026 season and a run to the Elite 8, those remain the same. While he was not nearly as dominant as he was at South Dakota State and the Summit League, Big O steadied Purdue in the post and added another layer to the Purdue Offense. On the season, Oscar averaged 10.6 Points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game. At times, Boiler fans expressed their frustration with the big man on social media, but he was the most ready big man Purdue had. Expectations for the center position are sky high after 2x NPOY Zach Edey dominated the position, arguably better than any center ever had in College Basketball History. In his 3-year college career, from Washington State to South Dakota State to Purdue, he averaged 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. While many expected a 20-and-10 scorer for a million-dollar man (rumors), the post was, truthfully, run through TKR. At best, Cluff was the 4th option on a game-to-game basis, behind Renn, Loyer, and Smith. When he was the only big man in the game, he was often more efficient, but times when he and Renn were not on the court together were few and far between. We saw more Renn at the 5 solo than Cluff solo. I personally see Cluff’s short stint as a Boiler as a success. He was brought here to improve Purdue on the glass more than scoring. He did that, and it also gave Renn more freedom to be an efficient rebounder from the four spot. Cluff fits in perfectly. We see story after story where transfers do not fit the culture of a program that has already been established. There was none of that with Oscar; he was a Boilermaker. Gritty. Determined. Hard-working. His shoes will be hard to fill, but Daniel Jacobsen should take another step forward. In his 13 minutes per game, he averaged 5.5 points and 3 rebounds. Track that to just 26 minutes per game, and the 7-4 Jacobsen will essentially replace the production of Cluff, but will have more of a defensive presence while doing so. Oscar will be missed as a one-year transfer, but the ceiling is high for DJ as well.

Q&A

What were Oscar Cluff's average stats during his time at Purdue?

Oscar Cluff averaged 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game during the 2025-2026 season at Purdue.

How did Oscar Cluff impact Purdue's performance in the NCAA Tournament?

Oscar Cluff played a key role in helping Purdue reach the Elite Eight in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

Who is expected to replace Oscar Cluff at Purdue?

Daniel Jacobsen is expected to step up and replace Oscar Cluff's production at Purdue, bringing a more defensive presence.

What challenges did Oscar Cluff face during his season at Purdue?

Oscar Cluff faced high expectations as a transfer, often being the fourth option in scoring behind teammates Renn, Loyer, and Smith.