Of course Tommy McClelland wanted to make a first-day splash on the podium as Purdue's new athletic director. But, uh, his comments may be picked apart on social media for a while.
"Every recruit, every current student athlete will hear this message repeatedly," he declared. "We are here to win championships. If you don't want to win championships, go to Indiana."
Now, I get it -- you want to do a little in-state jab, but... Indiana just won a national title in football earlier this year. It's a little soon to be taking a shot at the Hoosiers. He did get a laugh in the room, so that's a win.
“If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana.” Purdue’s new AD Tommy McClelland takes a shot at #iufb/#iubb during his introductory press conference.
In light of recent events, I don’t think this was the best idea 🤣. pic.twitter.com/bpJMqODcoP
— Colin McMahon (@ColinMcMahon31) August 6, 2026
Whoops! We await Indiana's social media accounts to collectively yell "SCOREBOARD" at McClelland.
Fans piled on Tommy McClelland for his Indiana shot
New Purdue AD: “If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana.”
— Nick Rodecap (@NickRodecap) August 6, 2026
Hmm. #iufb https://t.co/c73uaCJE6q pic.twitter.com/HvdxkSfTSG
Purdue’s new athletic director:
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) August 6, 2026
“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.”
Uh… what? 😭 pic.twitter.com/5MGzjIH9a0
“If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana.”
— #1 RESPECTABLE CONFETTI WINNER, MEAN GREEN PUNCHER (@B89Adam) August 6, 2026
- Purdue University, 2026 pic.twitter.com/qvFKW8NTuz
He might want that one back.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: New Purdue AD clearly didn’t think through outdated jab at Indiana
