Purdue Football – 2026 Countdown to Kickoff: #84 – Nolan Buckman
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Nolan Buckman
*Note: Name links to official Purdue Bio.
Bio
Position: Wide Receiver
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Height: 5’11”
Weight: 195
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
High School: Brebeuf Jesuit
Recruiting Class: 2023
Eligibility Remaining: 2 Seasons
High School Recruiting Rankings: Not Rated (preferred walk on)
High School
- Senior Season Stats
- QB: 22/59 – 317 Yards – 1 TD
- WR: 53 receptions – 462 Yards – 5 TDs
- Career Stats
- QB: 254/469 – 3611 Yards – 42 Tds – 15 Ints
- WR: 66 receptions – 571 Yards – 5 Tds
High School Highlights
View LinkCollege Career
2023 – 2025
Has yet to appear in a game, but was Academic All-Big Ten in 2024 and 2025
2026 – Season Outlook
Deep Reserve / Potential Special Teams Contributor
Thoughts
One interesting thing about doing these articles is coming across a player like Nolan. The current reserve slot receiver had a wild high school career. He threw for 3311 yards and 41 touchdowns as a junior and then only attempted 59 passes as a senior, with 1 touchdown and 5 interceptions, before returning to the wide receiver position, where he played as a sophomore. I’d love to know how that happened. I have no evidence, but my theory is that he banged up his shoulder. I’m not sure I’ve seen a high school QB who threw for over 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns get moved to slot receiver. If you have any insight into this mystery, please let me know in the comments.
As far as his Purdue career goes, he’s the type of player every roster needs, even if he never leaves the bench. The former preferred walk-on shows up to practice, kicks ass in the classroom, and will go pro in something other than football. He could probably drop down a level and play, but it appears this you man is a student-athlete and not an athlete who is forced to be a student.
I have no idea whether he will make any impact on the field, but don’t underestimate the value of having solid program guys in practice and on the scout team. It’s hard to keep developmental prospects around, and having guys like Nolan on the roster helps with continuity and leadership.