Latest news with #Odom
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Purdue football coach Barry Odom takes shot at Indiana's schedule
Barry Odom is trying to rebuild Purdue football after a disastrous 1-11 season led to the firing of previous coach Ryan Walters. Odom's preparing his team for a nonconference schedule over the first month of the season that includes games against Ball State, Southern Illinois and — gulp — Notre Dame. On 107.5 FM in Indianapolis last week, the coach noted that, while each Big Ten team already plays nine conference games, offering the fans more chances to watch top-flight competition should be the goal. "That is something that sets the standard in college football right now," adding that all conferences should have nine-game schedules. "It's so important to have games that fans are excited about." Re-live Purdue's run to the Final Four with our commemorative book Odom added that he's eager to prepare his team for the tougher tests, unlike another program in the state. "I could take the approach of one of the other schools in the state, cancel games and do some of those things, but the schedule is what it is," Odom said. Purdue currently has games scheduled against Wake Forest (2026, '28), Notre Dame (2026, '27, '28), North Carolina (2027), Vanderbilt (2029) and TCU (2030) in upcoming seasons. Indiana's 2025 nonconference slate includes Old Dominion, Kennesaw State and Indiana State, all at home. The Hoosiers also recently canceled a home-and-home series with Virginia. At the moment, IU's next power conference-caliber nonconference opponent is Notre Dame in 2030. Another boss: Lawrence Central grad can go 'as far as he wants' as Purdue football GM Aug. 30: vs. Ball State Sept. 6: vs. Southern Illinois Sept. 20: at Notre Dame Aug. 30: vs. Old Dominion Sept. 6: vs. Kennesaw State Sept. 12: vs. Indiana State The interview begins at the 1-hour, 5-minute mark.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
'Hamilton' ticket demand 'through the stratosphere' amid Leslie Odom Jr.'s return
Fans want to be — have got to be — in the room where it happens. Leslie Odom Jr. returns as Aaron Burr in 'Hamilton' this fall, and seats were claimed faster than anyone could say, 'wait for it.' Jeffrey Seller, producer of the beloved musical, exclusively told The Post that 'demand has been through the stratosphere.' Advertisement 6 Leslie Odom Jr. returns as Aaron Burr in 'Hamilton' this fall. Getty Images 'Leslie is one of the [most] remarkable musical theater actors of our time,' Seller, 60, said. Odom will reprise his role at the Richard Rodgers Theatre starting September 9. His run, initially scheduled to end on November 23, has been extended through November 26. Advertisement According to ticket-selling platforms like Broadway Direct, TodayTix and Odom's entire stint is completely sold out. 6 Odom's return to the role comes as 'Hamilton' prepares to celebrate its 10-year anniversary on August 6. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP The 'One Night in Miami…' actor's return engagement comes as the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical prepares to celebrate 10 years since its official Broadway opening on August 6, 2015, following previews that began on July 13. Odom originated the role of Aaron Burr, performing opposite Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton. Miranda wrote the book, music and lyrics for the show. Advertisement 'Hamilton' went on to win 11 Tonys at the 2016 awards ceremony, including best musical. Odom received the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical. 6 'Hamilton' went on to win 11 Tonys at the 2016 awards ceremony, including best musical. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP 'All [of] the original Broadway cast — because we opened in the summer — they won the Tony, and then they all left,' Seller explained. 'I think that there was something left on the table, and I think that this is just an extraordinary opportunity to come back for Leslie and put on that suit again.' He added, 'Where is he now? Who is Aaron Burr with Leslie Odom Jr. today?' Advertisement Odom left 'Hamilton' in July 2016, alongside Miranda and Phillipa Soo, who originated the role of Eliza Hamilton. He first announced his return to the hit musical while on the 'Today' show April 14. 6 Odom first announced his return to 'Hamilton' while on the 'Today' show on April 14. During his appearance, he gave a shout-out to Seller, whom he first worked with almost two decades ago on 'Rent,' which Seller also produced. Odom made his Broadway debut in Jonathan Larson's Tony-winning musical in 1998 at just 17 years old. 'You don't get shows that run [for] 10 years,' Odom, now 43, told 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie. 'There are a lot of shows we love, great shows, that they come and they go — that's the nature of the theater. For something to be embraced by the public and the culture in the way 'Hamilton' has [been] and the way that 'Rent' was — it's twice in a lifetime.' Odom's upcoming run will mark the first time he is reprising the role for which he gained fame, largely through his performances of songs like 'Wait for It' and 'The Room Where It Happens.' 6 Odom originated the role of Aaron Burr opposite Lin-Manuel Miranda's Alexander Hamilton. AP 'When I saw Leslie perform 'The Room Where It Happens' at the first act two workshop of 'Hamilton,' I knew I was witnessing a historic moment,' Seller said at the time of Odom's announcement. 'How lucky we are that Leslie is returning to 'Hamilton' and bringing his indelible Burr back to Broadway.' In addition to 'Hamilton' and 'Rent,' Seller is also known for producing 'Avenue Q' (2003), Miranda's 'In the Heights' (2008), the 2009 revival of 'West Side Story,' and, most recently, the 2023 revival of 'Sweeney Todd.' Advertisement On May 6, he released 'Theater Kid: A Broadway Memoir,' which chronicles his journey from growing up in Detroit to becoming an Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning producer. 6 Jeffrey Seller signing copies of his book, 'Theater Kid: A Broadway Memoir.' Bruce Glikas/WireImage Odom, for his part, has appeared in films like 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery' and 'Harriet,' as well as TV shows like 'Abbott Elementary.' Since starring in 'Hamilton,' he returned to Broadway in the 2023 revival of 'Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch,' which earned him a 2024 Tony nomination for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play. Advertisement Odom has been married to fellow Broadway performer Nicolette Robinson since 2012. The couple welcomed their daughter, Lucille 'Lucy' Ruby, 8, in April 2017, and their son, Able Phineas, 4, in March 2021. 'My kids weren't even born when we did 'Hamilton,'' he said on the 'Today' show. 'The fact that these kids are going to get to come see it this time, that's what I didn't know. That's been the surprise.'
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What to know about the Purdue Boilermakers in 2025
In the first year of the expanded 18-team Big Ten, Purdue brought up the rear with a 1-11 record, worst among the power four conferences, and no wins in conference play. Following their worst showing since 2013, the Boilermakers fired head coach Ryan Walters, who went 5-19 in two seasons leading the team. Heading into 2025 with a new coach and roster, Purdue is hoping to bounce back and compete for bowl eligibility, though it'll be an uphill battle. Here's a look at the current state of the program. 2024 in review Purdue's 2024 campaign was historically bad, including the worst defensive EPA in the country and the fifth-worst offensive EPA. The Boilermakers kicked off the season with a 49-0 win over Indiana State before being blown out in nearly every other matchup. They forced overtime against Illinois and Northwestern, but couldn't prevail with a conference win. Head coach profile After firing Walters, Purdue brought in Barry Odom from UNLV, where he found ample success the last two seasons. In 2023, Odom led the Rebels to a 9-3 record and was named Mountain West Coach of the Year. He followed it up with a 10-3 record in 2024, and had UNLV ranked for the first time in program history. Previously, Odom had a four-year stint as the head coach at Missouri, where he posted a 25-25 overall record highlighted by an 8-5 season in 2018. The Boilermakers are hoping Odom can rebuild the program quickly after doing so at his previous stop. Top offensive player Running back Devin Mockobee is one of the few remaining players from last year's team following a wave of departures and a heavy transfer portal haul. Mockobee has been a proven commodity for Purdue the last three seasons, averaging over 800 yards per season. He took a step back statistically last season, largely because he was the only major offensive threat and drew much of the attention, though the Boilermakers are hoping that's not the case in 2025. Additionally, Odom had a strong rushing attack at UNLV, meaning he'll likely make good use of Mockobee's talents. Top defensive player Purdue returns just one experienced player from last year's defense, which ranked dead last in the country. They'll be banking on transfers to step into major roles, but none of the new arrivals were considered major additions. Cornerback Tony Grimes has spent five seasons at three different schools, most recently spending the last two seasons with Odom at UNLV. He's been a full-time starter when healthy and play a major role as an experienced leader in 2025. 2025 schedule
Indianapolis Star
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Why Barry Odom dismissed 1 Purdue football player, added Georgia transfers with driving arrests
Barry Odom emphasized discipline as a bedrock principle for his Purdue football tenure. He established it with expectations for attention and attendance at his first Boilermaker team meetings. He reinforced it with the 'Winning Edge' program — grueling, up-tempo offseason workouts designed to enhance mental toughness as much or more than physical skills. When freshman safety Antonio Parker was arrested on drug charges and other infractions weeks after arriving on campus, Odom dismissed him from the team. It sent a message about standards and expectations. It did not, though, establish a blanket zero-tolerance policy toward players with run-ins with law enforcement. The recent vehicle-related infractions of Georgia transfers NiTareon 'Nitro' Tuggle and Marques Easley do not belong in the same legal conversation as Parker's crime. Yet they illustrated the sometimes murky waters into which coaches must wade when rebuilding a roster via the transfer portal. Relationships with high school recruits are built over months or years. In the portal, they sometimes come together in a matter of days. Odom said his staff does what it can to build a network of sources for all incoming players on that truncated timeline. Our book on Purdue men's basketball's Final Four run makes the perfect Father's Day gift 'We've all made mistakes, or I certainly know I have,' Odom said in a Thursday video interview with local media. 'I think there's education pieces that I'm responsible for. ... You've got to decide No. 1, did he make a mistake? OK, why did he make it? Has he learned from it? Are we willing enough to have him in our program because he was issued a citation? 'I'm not the only one making those decisions. There's a number of people that go into stamping yes or no. But we also feel like the culture, the surrounding people that we have that are part of our organization, that we're in a position that it becomes the DNA of who we are on doing the right things and protecting the team and becoming great student-athletes at Purdue.' Tuggle and Easley came to Purdue from a Georgia program notorious for vehicle-related legal issues. Tuggle, a wide receiver, was arrested for speeding and reckless driving on March 19. The police report asserted he was driving 107 mph in a 65 mile-per-hour zone. In a plea deal, Tuggle pleaded guilty to speeding in exchange for dismissal of the reckless driving. Easley, an offensive lineman, was charged with three counts of reckless conduct and one count of reckless driving after crashing his vehicle into the front of an apartment complex on March 22. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, investigating troopers said in the crash report they found evidence of 'laying drag' — intentionally skidding the car. Per online court records, Easley's case has not reached resolution. At the time he and Tuggle entered the portal, both players had been suspended by Georgia. According to the Banner-Herald, Georgia players or support staff members have been charged with speeding, reckless driving or racing in 32 incidents since Jan. 15, 2023. That's the date football player Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in a high-speed crash. Odom said his staff scrutinizes every incoming player, not merely those with a public incident in their past. They look for evidence of a love for the game. They make sure the players know the academic commitment at Purdue exceeds that expected at many other institutions. 'If all of those things align, then we know structurally they will thrive in our system,' Odom said. A QB, skill players, OL and more: Who is in Purdue football's 2026 recruiting class? Another incoming player, safety Myles Slusher, was suspended by Arkansas after a 2022 arrest for disorderly conduct. He served a one-game suspension and left the program soon after. That's three players with public brushes with the law out of the 26 signed in the spring window. Transferring to Purdue provided both Tuggle and Easley a chance to move closer to home, and further from Athens. Tuggle played at Northwood, located southeast of South Bend. Easley grew up in Peoria, Illinois, and played at Kankakee (Illinois) High School, located south of Chicago and about 90 minutes from Ross-Ade Stadium. Odom said both players could make an impact quickly. The Boilermakers need playmakers, and Tuggle was a four-star, borderline top-100 prospect out of high school. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Easley was also a four-star prospect, ranked in the top 200 per some services. He retains four years of eligibility, while Tuggle comes with three. Odom said he's been impressed with Tuggle's linear speed and ability to change directions. Easley has 'transformed his body' to better use his 'exceptional feet.' Those attributes show up on film. Recent events meant Odom and his staff had to be sure about their evaluation in other areas, too. 'Any time you're going to try to recruit a young man to your campus you make sure they're a fit in every single area,' Odom said. 'And if they're not, it doesn't matter how good of a player you think they are. It'll never work.'
Miami Herald
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Purdue Football Preview 2025: Barry Odom's Total Boilermaker Rebuild Begins Now
X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFNPurdue Offense BreakdownPurdue Defense BreakdownSeason Prediction, Win Total, Keys to SeasonMaking Purdue decent at football again isn't anything compared to what Barry Odom did in Las VegasIn the first 45 seasons of UNLV football at the D-I/FBS level, it enjoyed just three seasons with more than seven wins, and there was just one double-digit win campaign in 1984. Before Odom took over in 2023, the program suffered through eight straight losing won nine games in his first year, and the Rebels won 11 in 2024, for the greatest two-season run in the school's you can win at UNLV, you can win in West Lafayette. Crazy college football fun fact: Purdue has played in more Big Ten Championship games over the last three seasons than Ohio State forgotten was that Purdue lost to Michigan for the 2022 Big Ten title, head coach Jeff Brohm left for Louisville, and things crashed from with that 43-22 loss to the Wolverines, and followed up by a 63-7 loss to LSU in the Citrus Bowl that wasn't even as close as the final score, Purdue has gone 4-20 against FBS teams. Odom knows how to crank up a defense, he hooked up with USC's Josh Henson as the offensive coordinator, and in the mix are over 40 transfers to bring more talent and new goal in the rebuild is to be the midrange team no one wants to play. No one's thinking this will be a Curt Cignetti-to-Indiana thing like last year - the schedule is too tough - but that doesn't mean the Boilermakers can't and won't be a nasty out every after averaging 7.8 points per game over the last six, it all has to start with a far more dynamic … Purdue Offense BreakdownPurdue Defense BreakdownSeason Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
