With their top three scorers returning from a Sweet 16 team, Purdue basketball is capturing national attention as a leading contender for the championship, especially with the 2026 Final Four set in Indianapolis. Are the Boilermakers poised to turn last season’s success into a title run?

Purdue’s Braden Smith delivered an outstanding all-around performance, leading the Boilermakers to a decisive 79-61 victory over Northwestern. With contributions across the board, Smith guided his team to their third consecutive win.