Nitro Tuggle Poised for Expanded Role in Purdue’s Season Opener

West Lafayette, Ind. - With projected starter De’Nylon Morrissette sidelined for Purdue’s season opener against Ball State, sophomore wide receiver Nitro Tuggle is expected to see an elevated role in the Boilermakers’ offense on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Throughout fall camp, Morrissette, who recorded two touchdown receptions last season after transferring from Georgia, was one of Purdue’s top offensive targets but missed practice last week with a leg injury. In his absence, Tuggle, a former Georgia Bulldog, worked extensively with the first-team offense alongside Arhmad Branch and Michael Jackson III during preparation for the Ball State game.

As a true freshman at Georgia in 2024, Tuggle appeared in eight games, hauling in three passes for 34 yards, including two catches for 25 yards against Tennessee. Now at Purdue, he will aim to leverage those game experiences and his reputation as a former four-star recruit to stretch defenses and vie for passes that would have gone to Morrissette.

Head coach Barry Odom and his staff have emphasized competition among the wide receivers throughout fall camp. Tuggle’s familiarity with SEC-level preparation and his proven athleticism make him a prime candidate to step into a more prominent role if he can continue to earn the coaches’ trust in live action.

Purdue will kick off its 2025 season at Ross-Ade Stadium against Ball State at noon Eastern Time on the Big Ten Network. The Boilermakers enter the contest favored by 18.5 points, hoping Tuggle and the rest of the revamped receiving corps can deliver a fast start under Odom’s leadership.