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By Jordan Sigler
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New Purdue athletic director Tommy McClelland made some curious comments at his introductory news conference on Thursday.
McClelland told reporters that recruits would be told that Purdue is "here to win championships." That message would have been understandable, even if the Boilermakers football team is coming off a 2-10 record last season.
However, McClelland didn't stop there. He decided to go after Purdue's bitter rival, Indiana.
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“Every recruit, every student-athlete will hear this message repeatedly: we are here to win championships. If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana," McClelland said, via video from Colin McMahon.
The comment received an awkward reception from those in the audience. Indiana has gone 27-2 in the previous two seasons under head coach Curt Cignetti. In 2025, the Hoosiers went 16-0 and won the College Football Playoff national championship.
The battle between Indiana and Purdue for the "Old Oaken Bucket" has not gone well for the Boilermakers in the last two seasons. IU defeated Purdue 66-0 in 2024 and 56-3 in 2025.
Fans on social media reacted to McClelland's comments, with many criticizing the new athletic director for being tone-deaf.
"Does he forget that Indiana is defending National Champs in Football??" wrote a fan.
"Good grief…did anyone help this guy with his speech? This is absolutely hilarious considering what happened…8 months ago," posted another.
"Thomas you just earned your team an absolute slaughtering in Bloomington this fall," predicted a poster. "What an absolute clown. Somehow found a way to make Purdue worse than they already are at everything besides blowing it in March Madness. That’ll continue though don’t worry."
"Tried to sound tough, but now people are laughing at Purdue even more than they were before," believes a fan.
"Unless Purdue is dropping football, what rock has this guy been living under for the last two years?" questioned another.
"How are you going to hire an AD that doesn't even realize Indiana Football just won a National Championship? Cignetti is gonna make sure they hang 70 on them this year," wrote a fan.
The Boilermakers will travel to play Indiana in football on Nov. 28. It is fair to think McClelland's words will be used as motivation for the Hoosiers.
Purdue leads the all-time series in football 77-44-6.
In men's basketball, Indiana has won five national championships. Purdue has not won a national title. However, the Boilermakers lead the all-time series 129-94.
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