Purdue football's first kickoff time for the 2026 season is set for 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, against Washington. This game marks the return of former coach Ryan Walters to Ross-Ade Stadium.
Key points
Purdue's first kickoff time for the 2026 season is announced.
The game is against Washington on October 16 at 8 p.m.
Ryan Walters, former Purdue coach, returns to Ross-Ade Stadium.
This will be Purdue's 17th Friday night game in history.
The game will be televised on Fox.
Mentioned in this story
Ryan Walters
Purdue BoilermakersWashington
First known Purdue football kickoff time brings ex coach under lights
WEST LAFAYETTE ā Former Purdue football coach Ryan Walters' return to Ross-Ade Stadium will be under the lights.
The Boilermakers will host Washington, where Walters is in his second season as defensive coordinator, at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 in a game televised on Fox.
It's the first announced kickoff time for Purdue's 2026 season and 17th Friday night game in Boilermaker history, It will be the fourth time Purdue played on a Friday night in three years under Fox's media rights agreement with the Big Ten.
Purdue junior defensive end Trey Smith, left, and Purdue senior offensive lineman Joey Tanona run out through the tunnel at the start of the Purdue football spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Q&A
What time is the Purdue football game against Washington on October 16, 2026?
The Purdue football game against Washington is scheduled for 8 p.m. on October 16, 2026.
Who is the former Purdue football coach returning for the October 16 game?
The former Purdue football coach returning for the game is Ryan Walters, who is now the defensive coordinator for Washington.
How many Friday night games has Purdue played in the last three years?
Purdue has played four Friday night games in the last three years under Fox's media rights agreement.
What is significant about the kickoff time for Purdue's 2026 season?
This is the first announced kickoff time for Purdue's 2026 season and marks the 17th Friday night game in Boilermaker history.
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The Purdue football team huddles up after a scrimmage during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Ryder Smith wears his cousin's, Purdue junior linebacker Jojo Hayden's, helmet after the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue sophomore running back Fame Ijeboi runs past defenders with a football during a scrimmage at the Purdue football spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue senior offensive lineman Boaz Stanley, left, grimaces as Purdue senior defensive lineman Curt Neal grabs his jersey on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue junior running back Antonio Harris runs to a stop after a play during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue freshman wide receiver Brandon Kinsey runs past defenders on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue junior tight end Kylan Fox catches the football as Purdue senior defensive back John Slaughter reaches for his jersey on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue sophomore quarterback Evans Chuba runs with the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue senior wide receiver Xavier Townsend, left, ducks past Purdue senior defensive back John Slaughter during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue senior wide receiver Xavier Townsend runs to a stop with the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue junior wide receiver Corey Smith leaps for the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue sophomore defensive back Justin Denson Jr. tackles Purdue junior wide receiver Asaad Waseem as he reaches for the ball on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue freshman running back Izaiah Wright, left, celebrates with Purdue redshirt freshman offensive lineman Sankeerth Veluri after a touchdown during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue senior offensive lineman Jude McCoskey, right, grabs Purdue junior defensive end Breeon Ishmail's jersey during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue sophomore running back Carter Holsworth falls while protecting the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue junior tight end Kylan Fox tucks to protect the ball from Purdue freshman defensive back Emoni Smith on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue sophomore defensive back Justin Denson Jr. jumps over Purdue freshman defensive back Emoni Smith while chasing Purdue junior running back Antonio Harris during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue junior wide receiver Asaad Waseem, left, and Purdue sophomore running back Fame Ijeboi celebrate during the showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue redshirt freshman quarterback Garyt Odom runs with the ball on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue senior quarterback Bennett Meredith throws the ball on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue junior wide receiver Corey Smith runs with the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue junior wide receiver Corey Smith runs with the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue quarterbacks coach, Darin Hinshaw, talks with the quarterbacks, reflected in his sunglasses, after the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue sophomore quarterback Evans Chuba throws the ball on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue quarterbacks coach, Darin Hinshaw, reviews a play with Purdue senior quarterback Bennett Meredith on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue head coach, Barry Odom, walks across the field on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
A man walks through rows of empty seats on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue freshman defensive back Emoni Smith reaches for the ground after flying in the air during a tackle on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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First known Purdue football kickoff time brings ex coach under lights
Purdue junior defensive end Trey Smith, left, and Purdue senior offensive lineman Joey Tanona run out through the tunnel at the start of the Purdue football spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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First known Purdue football kickoff time brings ex coach under lights
Purdue junior defensive end Trey Smith, left, and Purdue senior offensive lineman Joey Tanona run out through the tunnel at the start of the Purdue football spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
The Purdue football team huddles up after a scrimmage during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
3 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Ryder Smith wears his cousin's, Purdue junior linebacker Jojo Hayden's, helmet after the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
4 / 29
Five Purdue football newcomers who stood out in spring camp
Purdue sophomore running back Fame Ijeboi runs past defenders with a football during a scrimmage at the Purdue football spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
5 / 29
Five Purdue football newcomers who stood out in spring camp
Purdue senior offensive lineman Boaz Stanley, left, grimaces as Purdue senior defensive lineman Curt Neal grabs his jersey on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
6 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue junior running back Antonio Harris runs to a stop after a play during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
7 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue freshman wide receiver Brandon Kinsey runs past defenders on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
8 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue junior tight end Kylan Fox catches the football as Purdue senior defensive back John Slaughter reaches for his jersey on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
9 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue sophomore quarterback Evans Chuba runs with the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
10 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue senior wide receiver Xavier Townsend, left, ducks past Purdue senior defensive back John Slaughter during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
11 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue senior wide receiver Xavier Townsend runs to a stop with the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue junior wide receiver Corey Smith leaps for the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
13 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue sophomore defensive back Justin Denson Jr. tackles Purdue junior wide receiver Asaad Waseem as he reaches for the ball on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
14 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue freshman running back Izaiah Wright, left, celebrates with Purdue redshirt freshman offensive lineman Sankeerth Veluri after a touchdown during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
15 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue senior offensive lineman Jude McCoskey, right, grabs Purdue junior defensive end Breeon Ishmail's jersey during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
16 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue sophomore running back Carter Holsworth falls while protecting the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
17 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue junior tight end Kylan Fox tucks to protect the ball from Purdue freshman defensive back Emoni Smith on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
18 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue sophomore defensive back Justin Denson Jr. jumps over Purdue freshman defensive back Emoni Smith while chasing Purdue junior running back Antonio Harris during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Ryan Browne's growth as Purdue football QB among spring camp takeaways
Purdue junior wide receiver Asaad Waseem, left, and Purdue sophomore running back Fame Ijeboi celebrate during the showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue redshirt freshman quarterback Garyt Odom runs with the ball on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue senior quarterback Bennett Meredith throws the ball on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue junior wide receiver Corey Smith runs with the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue junior wide receiver Corey Smith runs with the ball during the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue quarterbacks coach, Darin Hinshaw, talks with the quarterbacks, reflected in his sunglasses, after the spring showcase on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
25 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue sophomore quarterback Evans Chuba throws the ball on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
26 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue quarterbacks coach, Darin Hinshaw, reviews a play with Purdue senior quarterback Bennett Meredith on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
27 / 29
Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue head coach, Barry Odom, walks across the field on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
A man walks through rows of empty seats on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Our best images from Purdue football Spring Showcase
Purdue freshman defensive back Emoni Smith reaches for the ground after flying in the air during a tackle on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
It will mark the Huskies' first trip to West Lafayette since 1990. Purdue is 2-8-1 all-time against Washington, including a 49-13 loss last season.
Prior to that first Big Ten battle, the two most recent meetings came in bowl games. Purdue defeated Washington in the 2022 Sun Bowl and Washington beat Purdue in the Rose Bowl in 2001.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
