Barry Odom starts at Purdue with increased NIL budget and scrutiny from UNLV payment dispute

Barry Odom has started his tenure as Purdue's head football coach with a larger budget for name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. This marks a shift from his previous role at UNLV, where he faced scrutiny over a payment dispute involving quarterback Matthew Sluka. At UNLV, Sluka transferred after claiming he did not receive a promised $100,000 NIL payment. Odom stated that the program followed all rules and emphasized open communication during the recruiting process. He now faces questions about this situation as he recruits for Purdue. Purdue's athletic director has committed to fully supporting Odom's efforts to rebuild the team, which struggled last season with a 1-11 record. Odom aims to leverage Purdue's strong alumni network and upgraded facilities to attract talent and improve the program's performance.