Hammer and Rails Readers Results: Most Improved Football Group for 2026

West Lafayette, IN - APRIL 11: Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Jojo Hayden (0) looks into the offense during the Purdue Spring game on April 11, 2026 at RossAde Stadium in West Lafayette, IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images It’s the end of another work week and it’s time to have a nice relaxing weekend. Those exist right? I wouldn’t know as I have a 6 year old who is constantly on the move including to a birthday party this weekend. Keep me in your thoughts. But other than that, the end of the week means it’s time to look at this week’s survey results. I asked you two questions this week one Purdue related generally and a second one focused on football. So let’s get into it shall we?

class="has-text-align-none">With the two biggest jobs at the university open I wanted to know what your hiring plan would be. Which job, university president or athletic director, would you target first?

I’m glad the vast majority 86% agree with me on this one. It seems obvious that you’d want to hire the president first. Bobinski will remain in his job for another six months so you’ve got more time to hire his replacement. I’m not saying you want to rush the presidential hire, that’s an incredibly important choice, but the next president should have a hand in choosing the next AD.

class="has-text-align-none">Then, I wanted to see which position group would be the most improved for the 2026 Purdue football season.

The offensive line received the plurality with 44%. It makes sense as the line had a number of holes last season, and not of the type you want your offensive line to create. So there’s plenty of room to improve there. Wide receiver was the only other group to push above the 20% mark landing in second with 24%. They were another group who left a lot to be desired from last season. Secondary and defensive line each finished with 11%. Purdue will need improvement from nearly every unit on the field if they hope to beat the 3.5 wins they are projected for.