Purdue AD takes odd jab at Indiana during introductory presser

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 09: A Purdue Boilermakers helmet sits during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 9, 2024, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH.

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New Purdue athletic director Tommy McClelland wasted no time going after in-state rival Indiana, though maybe he should have.

McClelland took a shot at the Hoosiers during his introductory press conference Thursday, and the bizarre comment was puzzling to say the least.

"Every recruit, every current 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.

NEW: Purdue AD Tommy McClelland in his introductory press conference:

"We are here to win championships. If you don't want to win championships, go to Indiana."

(via @BigTenNetwork)https://t.co/pwjsY4Axo9 pic.twitter.com/nqIYR1ks8Q
— On3 (@On3) August 6, 2026

McClelland's comments arrive nearly seven months after Indiana captured its first national championship in a win over Miami.

The Hoosiers have experienced a meteoric rise since hiring head coach Curt Cignetti in November 2023. Indiana has posted a 27-2 record during his tenure.

While Purdue owns the all-time series lead over Indiana in football with a 78-44-6 record, the Boilermakers have gone just 3-21 overall since 2024, including 0-18 in Big Ten play.

The Boilermakers men's basketball team has experienced recent success, though. They reached the national title game in 2024 and have made six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances dating back to 2021.

On Wednesday, Purdue hired McClelland, who previously held the same role at Rice. He also spent time as Vanderbilt's deputy athletic director from 2020-23.