Purdue football may be about to do something it hasn't done in five years

WEST LAFAYETTE — On Saturday, Purdue football could do something it hasn't in five years.

At Nevada to open the 2019 season , safety Jalen Graham and defensive end George Karlaftis both started for the Boilermakers as true freshmen.

That remains the last time multiple true freshmen started a season opener.

That could change on Saturday.

Cornerback Tarrion Grant and receiver Shamar Rigby both were listed atop the Week 1 depth chart released Monday ahead of Saturday's game against Indiana State. Kicker Spencer Porath also is listed as a potential starter as a kicker.

More: Purdue football Insider roundtable: Is this really Big Ten's worst team?

It's worth noting, this only applies to season openers. Purdue started multiple true freshmen as recently as last season with Dillon Thieneman, cornerback Derrick Rogers Jr. and receiver Jaron Tibbs.

Rigby has earned rave reviews throughout fall camp.

The 6-foot-3, 187-pound Florida native now is expected to be a major part of Purdue's offense and an added weapon for quarterback Hudson Card among an improved receiving corps.

Grant was one of the top 2025 cornerbacks before reclassifying and enrolling at Purdue early.

Stats about starts

∎ Of Purdue's 32 Week 1 depth chart starters (four positions with two possibilities, plus specialists), 22 were members of Purdue's 2023 roster. Thieneman, defensive lineman Cole Brevard and linebacker Kydran Jenkins are the only returning players who started all 12 games last season.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue football may be about to do something it hasn't done in five years