Overview
- Tommy McClelland, introduced as Purdue's new athletic director, told reporters Thursday, “We are here to win championships. If you don't want to win championships, go to Indiana,” and the clip spread widely online.
- The remark drew immediate ridicule because Indiana won the 2025 College Football Playoff national championship and Purdue's football program has posted poor recent records, making the jab feel badly timed.
- McClelland said on The Pat McAfee Show Friday that the line was an 'offhand, unscripted comment' he regretted and he reiterated a commitment to build championship‑caliber teams.
- Purdue framed McClelland's hiring around generating revenue, strengthening NIL strategy and fundraising to pay for facility and competitive upgrades, and he is set to take over the job on Jan. 1, 2027.
- Observers note the gaffe hands extra bulletin‑board motivation to Indiana and will likely return as a storyline when the teams meet on Nov. 28, 2026, and that the episode will shape expectations for McClelland's transition.