Sports
Igor Arrieta conquista Potenza en un final de etapa épico y surrealista: hay cambio de 'maglia' en el Giro
Igor Arrieta del UAE Team Emirates-XRG conquista Potenza en el Giro de Italia tras un final épico.
Marca1 min read
SportsPreview
Spring Ball Review: Running Backs
TL;DR
Purdue's running back lineup features new transfers Fame Ijeboi and Jerrick Gibson, replacing Devin Mockobee. Ijeboi, a sophomore from Minnesota, had a strong season last year and is expected to lead the backfield.
Key points
- Purdue has new running backs for the upcoming season
- Fame Ijeboi transferred from Minnesota
- Jerrick Gibson joins Ijeboi in the backfield
- Ijeboi had over 400 rushing yards last season
- Purdue aims to improve its run game
Big TenPurdue BoilermakersFame IjeboiJerrick Gibson
West Lafayette, IN - APRIL 11: Purdue Boilermakers running back Fame Ijeboi (2) looks into the defenseduring the Purdue Spring game on April 11, 2026 at RossAde Stadium in West Lafayette, IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Purdue will have many new faces in the backfield for the first time in many years. Devin Mockobee was a mainstay through three coaching changes and was the most consistent offensive weapon since Jeff Brohm left us for his Alma Mater. Now, Purdue moves forward with new faces and three backs, which I believe to be real contributors early on.
The Bell Cows: Fame Ijeboi and Jerrick Gibson
Purdue dove right into the transfer portal for two running backs who will be their lead backs this fall. Enter Fame Ijeboi and Jerrick Gibson. Fame made his way south from Minnesota, and he is only a sophomore. He had an outstanding redshirt freshman season for the Golden Gophers, tallying over 400 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry. I love to see this type of transfer for Purdue. He is already a proven commodity in the Big Ten, showing he can play in this league, and my assumption is that Purdue simply offered him a better monetary deal than Minnesota did, which is encouraging. Fame started the Spring Game as the running back. At 6-0, 210 pounds, he has the ideal size to be one of the primary ball carriers in an offense that looks to improve the run game.
Coach Odom also nabbed Jerrick Gibson from Texas. Gibson was one of the highest-rated prospects in his high school class at his position, but has served as the RB3 at Texas and is looking for opportunities to showcase his skill set. At 5-10, 220 pounds, Gibson is a powerful back who is low to the ground, but has the breakaway speed needed to run away from linebackers in the Big Ten. In his two seasons at Texas, he had over 500 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry. These two have a similar skill set, and I believe they will be the bell cows for an offense with a run-first identity.
Q&A
Who are the main running backs for Purdue in 2026?
The main running backs for Purdue in 2026 are Fame Ijeboi and Jerrick Gibson.
What were Fame Ijeboi's stats at Minnesota?
Fame Ijeboi tallied over 400 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry during his redshirt freshman season at Minnesota.
Why did Purdue recruit Fame Ijeboi from Minnesota?
Purdue recruited Fame Ijeboi as he is a proven commodity in the Big Ten and likely offered him a better monetary deal than Minnesota.
What is Fame Ijeboi's size and position?
Fame Ijeboi is 6-0, 210 pounds, and plays as a running back.
