Coach Ryan Walters and his staff hit the transfer portal hard this offseason to shore up the offensive and defensive lines with experienced veterans.

A prime example of this dedication to transfer portal vets is 6th-year transfer, Preston Nichols. Nichols, who played at UNLV and Charleston Southern before making his move to West Lafayette, will be one of the most experienced players on the roster.

Preston Nichols - Grad Transfer

Charlotte, North Carolina (Previous School: UNLV)

Offensive Line

6-2, 290 Pounds

2023 Projection: Rotational Offensive Lineman

Preston Nichols is experienced not only in his years as a collegiate athlete but also in the amount of games he has played in.

During his four years at Charleston Southern, Nichols played in 28 games, starting in 26 of them. If it was not for the shortened COVID season in 2020, he would have started over 30 games there.

His stint at UNLV was a short one, where he would start 12 games at offensive tackle. Offensive tackle is an absolute position of need, as Purdue lacks some serious depth there. He has played all over the offensive line during his collegiate career and Purdue may use him as a chess piece, moving him where he is needed.

While some may scoff at utilizing at 6-2, 290-pound lineman at tackle in the Big Ten, Nichols' experience alone at the position should ease the minds of Boilermakers if he does play that position.

He will have a short time at Purdue, but he will be needed with a young and growing offensive line.

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