Return of Rowdy? Purdue Hints at Mascot Making Way to Ross-Ade Stadium

Is an old Purdue mascot returning to Ross-Ade Stadium for the Homecoming game against Nebraska?

The Boilermaker Special leads the Purdue Boilermakers onto the field before the NCAA football game / Noe Padilla/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK

An old — or is it young? — Purdue mascot might be returning to Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday for the team's Homecoming game against Nebraska.

This week, Purdue's social media team has hinted at the return of Rowdy, an inflatable mascot. The ballcap-wearing mascot was a regular at Boilermaker football games from 1997-2007. But he hasn't made an appearance in nearly two decades.

Could that change this weekend? Here's a sample of the social media posts Purdue has been sharing throughout the week.

a responsible adult told me not to climb the bell tower. a real nice guy, his name is Pete. you might know him!

he pointed me in the right direction and i’m definitely close now! but it’s not quite the right time of year for this home yet… https://t.co/alI3xPMwJ4 pic.twitter.com/Q0rvVXGwz6

— Purdue Athletics (@PurdueSports) September 26, 2024

Saturday isn't just Homecoming in West Lafayette, it will be Purdue's Big Ten opener. The Boilermakers are in desperate need of a win after disappointing losses to Notre Dame and Oregon State in back-to-back games.

Perhaps the return of Rowdy could bring some good luck to Ryan Walters and the Boilers this weekend.

hmmm… i don’t remember all this water. it's already hard enough to walk on dry ground!

i think i’m getting warmer though... https://t.co/BMRxzER04O pic.twitter.com/tnyJ2M2las

— Purdue Athletics (@PurdueSports) September 24, 2024

Kickoff between Purdue and Nebraska from Ross-Ade Stadium is scheduled for noon ET. The game will air on Peacock. The all-time series between the Boilermakers and Huskers is tied at 6-6.

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