[2024] Purdue Quarterback Room Breakdown

[BabaYaga]

There will be a lot of interesting stories coming out of camp for the Purdue Boilermakers this year and one of the main stories will be who starts at quarterback. The Boilermakers have a bevy of intriguing options and have quite a bit of youth on their side. Below, we will take a look at who could win the job out of the spring, the projected starter, and a look at the depth that Purdue has in the room. Purdue has seven QB's on the roster and three of them are blue chip prospects. All three of the blue chips are underclassmen.

Returning Players
Dominique Ankou - 3* (SR) - A-
Kyle Cain - 3* (JR) - B
Austin Cooper - 3* (SO) - C+
David Baldridge - 3* SO - C
Edward Laakso - 5* (FR) - B
Max Benson - 4* (FR) - B

Incoming Players
Jose Acosta - 4* FR - C

2023 Season Stats
Ankou - 265/450, 2,850 yards, 17 TD, 9 INT
Cain - 5/11, 81 yards

Purdue QB Room Breakdown

Projected starter: Dominique Ankou - Ankou was the starter last year and did a solid job leading Purdue to a bowl game. He has dual A ratings in throw power and throw accuracy and understands how to make plays. He did a solid job of taking care of the ball last year and is a low risk play for a team who is looking to reach a bowl again,

One to Watch: Edward Laakso - Even though Ankou is the presumed starter, Laakso has an outside shot to win the job. The former five star recruit redshirted last season and has a balanced skillset. If Laakso has a good spring showing, the starting spot could be up for grabs.

Darkhorse: Kyle Cain - Cain was the first QB recruit brought in by this staff and the rumor is that he is beloved by the staff. He is in play for the backup QB gig this year and could be given a hard look at the starting nod in 2025. Monitor how he does throughout camp this spring.

Redshirt Candidate: Jose Acosta - Look for Acosta to be redshirted this season. He is a raw project that could turn into something viable in a few years. He is a smart player who just needs some throwing refinement.

Notes on others:
Austin Cooper - Cooper is a local boy who loves Purdue. He provides some stability and some competition for this room.
David Baldridge - Baldridge is a wildcard in this room. We wouldn't be surprised if he starts to look elsewhere if his name isn't on the two-deep.
Max Benson - Benson could be very intriguing. Rumor is that the Boilermakers want to convert him to an RB...and he has said he is on board with that.

 

Purdue QB Room Future Outlook
The QB room outlook for Purdue is average to good. They have three blue chip underclassmen and odds are that one of them will develop into a serviceable starter by their junior year. Laakso is the most promising but still has some development to go. With Ankou at the helm this year, and Cain potentially at the helm in 2025...Laakso would be in the system for 3 years before being the guy in 2026 and 2027. That gives Purdue a four year path for their quarterback that is something that a lot of programs do not have.