Purdue football took a significant step forward in building its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of highly-touted quarterback Oscar Rios. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound rising junior from Downey, California, announced his decision to join the Boilermakers last Friday.
Rios is the first commitment in Purdue’s 2026 class and joins 2025 commit Sawyer Anderson from Dallas Parish Episcopal as key future quarterback prospects for the program. According to the 247Sports composite for the 2026 class, Rios is ranked No. 291 nationally, making him a four-star prospect and the highest-ranked high school quarterback Purdue has landed since Brady Allen (No. 175) in 2022. Allen later transferred to join former Purdue coach Jeff Brohm at Louisville.
Rios had a standout season last year, completing 73.4% of his passes for 2,633 yards and 23 touchdowns against only five interceptions. He also showcased his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 767 yards and seven touchdowns, leading his team to an 8-3 record.
The talented quarterback had offers from several major programs, including Big Ten schools Michigan State, Nebraska, and Washington, as well as Auburn and Utah. His decision to commit to Purdue highlights the program’s growing appeal under head coach Ryan Walters.
Purdue’s quarterback situation has seen significant changes over the past few years. Since 2020, the team has not been led in passing by a scholarship recruit, with walk-on Aidan O’Connell and Texas transfer Hudson Card taking the helm in recent seasons. Potential successors to Card include true freshman Marcos Davila, a former four-star recruit, along with third-year quarterback Bennett Meredith and second-years Ryan Browne and Jake Wilson. The Boilermakers may also continue to explore options in the transfer portal.
Rios’ commitment is expected to bolster Purdue’s quarterback depth and potentially provide a long-term solution with his dual-threat capabilities. As the first commit in the 2026 class, his decision sets a strong foundation for future recruiting efforts.
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In other recruiting news, Purdue recently secured a commitment from Hamilton Southeastern offensive lineman Cameron Gorin for the 2025 class. Gorin’s commitment is a significant development, as he is ranked 749th nationally and could become the highest-ranked offensive line recruit for Purdue since Gus Hartwig in 2020. Gorin’s decision to stay in-state and join the Boilermakers highlights the importance of keeping top local talent at home.
Additionally, Purdue flipped Hammond Morton receiver Lebron Hill from Louisville, further strengthening its 2025 class. However, the class still ranks last among all 18 Big Ten teams in both total score and average star rating according to 247Sports’ rankings.
Purdue is also eyeing other top prospects, including defensive lineman Derry Norris from Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, Florida, and Fishers receiver JonAnthony Hall. The program continues to actively pursue high-ranking recruits to build a competitive roster for the future.
As Purdue football looks ahead, the commitment of Oscar Rios and other top prospects signals a promising direction for the program under the leadership of Coach Ryan Walters.
