Purdue Men’s Basketball Welcomes Back Zach Edey for New Season……
In a move that electrified the college basketball world, Purdue University has officially confirmed the return of seven-foot-four center Zach Edey for the upcoming 2025‑26 season. The star big man—already a two-time National Player of the Year (2023, 2024) and reigning back‑to‑back Big Ten Player of the Year—will forego an NBA jump to run it back for another year in West Lafayette .
The Heart of the Boilermakers
Edey burst onto the national scene early in his Purdue career, dominating college competition with a rare blend of size, skill, and efficiency. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 22.9 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, leading the Boilermakers to both the Big Ten regular-season crown and conference tournament championship . His heroics earned him unanimous first-team All-Big Ten honors and a second consecutive Player of the Year in league voting .
Last season (2024–25), Edey once again anchored Purdue, averaging elite numbers and guiding the team to a 24–12 record and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament .
Why He’s Coming Back
Despite multiple years of eligibility and solid NBA draft projections, Edey’s decision to return stems from multiple factors. Analysts point to Purdue’s championship aspirations and the chance to cement his legacy among college basketball’s greatest big men—potentially winning a third-straight National Player of the Year award like Ralph Sampson did in the early 1970s .
Additionally, NIL earnings and the personal opportunity to refine his game—particularly in mobility, perimeter defense, and shooting range—factor heavily. NBA scouts have flagged Edey’s lateral quickness and outside game as areas needing polishing before a leap to the professional ranks .
The Purdue Edge
With Edey back, Purdue instantly becomes a frontrunner in the 2025–26 Big Ten. His presence clears the way for roster continuity, integrating new transfers and returning contributors alike. Head Coach Matt Painter now has a veteran cornerstone around whom to build both offensive and defensive schemes.
Assistant coaches emphasize how Edey’s elite scoring in the post (62 percent career field goal rate) opens spacing opportunities for backcourt threats. His rim protection—averaging over 2.0 blocks and 11 rebounds per game—sets the tone for a top-tier defense.
Ohio State, Michigan, and the Conference Chase
In a league littered with talent—including returning foes like Michigan State and rising contenders in Ohio State and Maryland—Purdue’s frontcourt dominance gives it a distinct advantage. Edey’s matchup advantages in the paint present headaches for opposing coaches, and his durability over four seasons (missing very few games) further amplifies Purdue’s title odds .
Eyes on the Prize: National Title
Beyond conference play, Edey’s return transforms Purdue into a bona fide national title threat. The Boilermakers’ balanced season in 2024–25, culminating in a Sweet 16 exit, was anchored in large part by Edey’s dominance. Projecting forward, a team centered around his versatile interior scoring and defensive impact could be a Final Four—or even champion—dark horse.
What Fans Can Expect
Leadership & Experience: Edey’s senior leadership offers stabilization for young teammates and newcomers.
Individual Accolades: He’ll likely continue to chase awards and could become one of the rare three-time consensus National Players of the Year.
Pro Growth: This extra year should help him develop facets of his game—like range and lateral movement—critical for NBA success.
Bottom Line:
Zach Edey’s decision to return is a seismic shift for Purdue, the Big Ten, and the national college basketball landscape. His dominance in the paint, combined with fortified team continuity, lifts the Boilermakers from contenders to favorites. As the countdown to the next season begins, West Lafayette is buzzing—and for good reason: with Edey in Black and Gold once again, Purdue’s ceiling just shot to new heights.
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