Purdue football adds first defensive piece to 2026 class with Tennessee CB commit

WEST LAFAYETTE - After first landing the quarterback around which to build its 2026 recruiting plan, Purdue football added the first defensive piece of the class.

Franklin (Tennessee) Battle Ground Academy cornerback Zyntreacs Otey announced his commitment to the Boilermakers on Monday. Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville and Ole Miss also reportedly offered the three-star prospect, ranked No. 379 in the 247Sports national composite.

Otey joins Downey, Calif., quarterback Oscar Rios as 2026 commitments.

More: Purdue's All-American safety returns punts now? 'Something I wanted to do'

The 5-11, 175-pound Otey played for Murfreesboro Riverdale last season. He told The Tennesseean his connection with cornerbacks coach Sam Carter and the message from coach Ryan Walters resonated with his decision.

“I always loved coach Carter — we have a great relationship," Otey said. "I love how he coaches players. I got to talk with coach Walters and he was talking about how he’s going to set me up for life and not just through football. They can develop me as a man. That’s what did it.”

Otey collected 66 tackles (two for loss), four pass breakups, two interceptions and one fumble forced for Riverdale last season. The coming season will be Otey's last in high school. He reclassified, but told The Tennesseean he plans to work out with a trainer privately in 2025 before enrolling at Purdue.

“I can guard somebody man-to-man no problem,” Otey said. “They said they see how I can step in and guard someone. That’s an immediate need they were talking about.”

Otey is the second defensive commitment in four days for Purdue, following 2025 Homestead linebacker Sam Steward last Friday.

Follow IndyStar Purdue Insider Nathan Baird on X at @nwbaird .

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football adds first defensive piece to 2026 class with Tennessee CB commit