Second Purdue Women's Basketball Forward Planning to Enter Transfer Portal

A second Purdue forward plans to enter the transfer portal, according to a report from On3's Talia Goodman. Kendall Puryear, who spent two years with the Boilermakers, will explore her options outside of West Lafayette.

Puryear is the second Boilermaker planning to enter the transfer portal, per On3. The other is fellow sophomore forward Lana McCarthy. Both will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Puryear played in 30 games for the Boilermakers during the 2025-26 season, making 14 starts. She averaged 6.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the floor.

In two seasons in West Lafayette, Puryear appeared in 59 games and made 15 starts. She tallied 407 points and 205 rebounds in those two years.

Purdue Sophomore Kendall Puryear (22) shoots a jumper. | Chad Krockover / Special to the Journal & Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Puryear and McCarthy split time starting at the forward position for the Boilermakers. The frontcourt was a position of depth this past season, having those two and 6-foot-7 freshman Avery Gordon in the post.

With both Puryear and McCarthy expected to enter the portal, coach Katie Gearlds and her staff will have to look to the portal to help improve its frontcourt situation for the 2026-27 campaign. Right now, Gordon is the only post player expected to return.

The Boilermakers concluded the 2025-26 season with a 13-17 record, reaching the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament at the end of the season.

Purdue replacing at least three players

Purdue Boilermakers head coach Katie Gearlds yells down the court. | Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

When the 2025-26 season concluded, Gearlds knew she would have to replace at least one player, with Madison Layden-Zay's eligibility up.

With both McCarthy and Puryear planning to enter the portal, that brings the total up to three players. The transfer portal doesn't open until April 6, so there could be more players who decide to enter in the coming weeks.

Purdue is bringing in three recruits in its 2026 recruiting class, all international players: Maya Zilbershlag, Keona Douwstra and Katarina Sediva.

McCarthy and Puryear both entering the transfer portal will force the Boilermakers to develop Gordon quickly. She played solid minutes in her first season at Purdue, but she'll likely become the starter at the five spot heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

Gordon averaged 4.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. She has the potential to be a key piece for Purdue's success moving forward, but she must make a big leap from her freshman to sophomore year, especially with the other two forwards out the door.

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