The first commitment in the 2026 recruiting class is now locked in for Barry Odom and Purdue football. 2026 three-star offensive lineman Rico Schrieber announced his commitment to the Boilermakers today, marking a big get for Odom and company.

The Chicagoland product was on campus on Friday night for an unofficial visit and felt at home in West Lafayette.

"The coaching staff, they were my favorite coaching staff I've ever met. They're all great people, and it made me feel at home and like I was already at school, especially Coach Odom. I mean, it felt like I knew him for forever, like I've known him for years," Schrieber told Boiler Upload prior to his commitment.

Schrieber chose the Boilermakers over the likes of Nebraska, Florida, Miami (FL), Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Missouri, North Carolina State, Vanderbilt and others.

That visit cemented Purdue as Schrieber's "top choice" and he wasted no time pledging to Vance Vice and the Boilermakers in the following days. Odom and Vice played big roles in the commitment after the three-star recruit saw their track record at UNLV.

"Their coaching staff turned UNLV around, so they're gonna be able to turn Purdue around and they're great coaches, you know? I think they could help me with my goals and develop me," Schrieber said.

Purdue now adds an intriguing talent to the 2026 recruiting class for the Boilermakers, where he will bring his 6-foot-7 and sturdy frame to the offensive line in West Lafayette. Despite his size, Schrieber moves well and gets to the second level in run blocking, while being a reliable pass blocker.