Purdue Basketball 2025-26: Star-Studded Roster, Schedule & Bold Predictions

Purdue Basketball Poised for a Statement Season Opener Against Evansville The Matt Painter era enters a pivotal chapter tonight as No. 1 Purdue tips off the 2025-26 men’s basketball season against the Evansville Purple Aces at Mackey Arena. With a preseason top ranking and championship aspirations, every possession of the opener will be under a microscope for Boilermaker fans and national pundits alike. Tip-Off Details and How to Watch • Date & Time: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. ET • Venue: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Ind. • TV & Streaming: Big Ten Network; BTN+ and participating cable apps also carry the live stream • Radio: Purdue Sports Network (96.5 FM in Lafayette) and SiriusXM Ch. 195 Injury Update: Trey Kaufman-Renn Sidelined Painter confirmed that starting forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (foot) will miss the season opener, forcing Purdue to juggle its front-court rotation. Redshirt freshman Kanon Catchings and veteran Mason Gillis are the leading candidates to slide into the starting five next to 7-3 junior Will Berg. Why the Boilermakers Are the Nation’s Preseason No. 1 • Continuity: Purdue returns four starters from last year’s Elite Eight squad, including All-Big Ten point guard Braden Smith and sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer. • Interior Size: Berg, Isaac Aihiamu and freshman phenom Sam Ayomide give Purdue rim protection and post scoring unrivaled in the Big Ten. • Backcourt Depth: Smith, Loyer, Lance Jones and four-star freshman Darien Lockett offer a blend of shooting and on-ball defense that Painter teams are known for. Scouting Evansville The Purple Aces finished 16-15 last season but return 80 percent of their scoring. Junior guard Marvin Coleman III (15.2 ppg) headlines an up-tempo offense that will test Purdue’s transition D. Painter emphasized limiting live-ball turnovers and closing out on shooters after Evansville averaged 9.3 made threes per game in 2024-25. Key Matchups to Watch 1. Braden Smith vs. Coleman III – Smith’s ability to control pace against Evansville’s full-court pressure could dictate early momentum. 2. Berg vs. Jakob Feit – Purdue’s length advantage is pronounced, but Feit shoots 38 percent from deep; Berg must defend the perimeter without conceding drives. 3. Bench Production – With Kaufman-Renn out, Gillis, Catchings and sophomore Camden Heide have an opportunity to seize rotation minutes. Analytics Corner • Purdue ranked No. 2 nationally in offensive efficiency (KenPom) last season; Evansville’s defense was No. 231. • The Boilermakers were 18-0 at Mackey Arena in 2024-25, extending Painter’s home non-conference win streak to 46 games. • Purdue’s rebound margin of +11.4 led Division I and projects to remain elite with Berg anchoring the paint. What a Strong Opener Means for March While it’s only Game 1, the selection committee has historically rewarded dominant non-conference victories by top seeds. A convincing win, especially without a starter, would bolster Purdue’s strength-of-record metric and build confidence before marquee clashes with Kansas (Nov. 15) and the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Bottom Line The Boilermakers’ road to redemption after last year’s heartbreaking Elite Eight exit begins tonight. If Purdue limits turnovers, controls the glass, and integrates its new pieces smoothly, Painter’s squad should validate its No. 1 status and ignite the Mackey Arena faithful for another electrifying campaign.