The list of Purdue football players exploring their options in the NCAA transfer portal will include one of the team's most decorated players.
IndyStar confirmed safety Dillon Thieneman entered his name in the portal. A report from On3's Pete Nakos earlier said the Westfield grad intended to do so.
According to a source, Thieneman is open to returning to the Boilermakers, pending the outcome of the ongoing coaching search.
While the portal officially opens Monday, players whose team undergoes a coaching change can enter from the date of that separation. Players can withdraw from the portal and remain with their teams.
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It also makes sense for players to enter the portal to gauge their value in the name, image and likeness marketplace. Other teams are not supposed to contact players until they have entered their names in the portal.
Thieneman was a freshman All-American in 2023, coach Ryan Walters' first season. His six interceptions were tied for third in the nation. While he did not have any interceptions in the recently completed season, he led Purdue in tackles for the second straight season with 104 with six pass breakups and one interception.
Thieneman became the highest-profile Boilermaker to enter the portal thus far. Quarterback Ryan Browne entered on Tuesday and also left open the possibility of withdrawing and staying at Purdue.
Athletic director Mike Bobinski said Monday the coaching search could conclude in a week to 10 days -- a timeline in part dictated by the full opening of the portal on Monday.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football's Dillon Thieneman enters transfer portal, may return