Purdue Football: Boilers add former Illinois linebacker

The hot spring has continued for Purdue football and coach Ryan Walters, as the Boilermakers added another key defensive piece Tuesday.

Former Illinois outside linebacker Trey Smith landed with the Boilermakers from the transfer portal. The Purdue football coach and Smith are familiar with one another, as Smith was a Class of 2023 recruit for the Illini. The Illinois staff featured Walters, Kevin Kane and Joe Dineen on the staff. Kane is now the defensive coordinator at Purdue, while Dineen is a defensive assistant coach.

Coming out of high school, Smith had offers from the likes of Penn State, Tennessee, Arkansas, Michigan State, Nebraska and Rutgers among others. He only appeared in two games with Illinois.

Purdue’s defense has completely been revamped this offseason. The Boilermakers have had several notable transfers on the defensive side of the football. Among them are Georgia’s C.J. Madden, Boston College’s Shitta Sillah and Franklin College’s Jireh Ojata. Those three, combined with Smith will be expected to help lead the defensive rush for Purdue football in 2024. In addition, the defense features sophomore star Will Heldt.

Purdue football opens the season August 31 at Ross-Ade Stadium against Indiana State.