WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue football’s makeover in the secondary added a second junior college All-American on Sunday.
Former Northeastern Oklahoma A&M safety Ta’Vari Hampton announced his commitment to the Boilermakers. The 6-foot, 185-pound Florida native joins Iowa Western’s Dax Noles, a first team NJCAA All-American, as junior college additions to the 2026 signing class.
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Hampton was a second-team NJCAA All-American. He collected 80 tackles (six for loss), two interceptions and one sack for Golden Norsemen.
Purdue needed back-end additions, preferably with some experience, after starters Myles Slusher and Tahj Ra-El completed their careers. Smiley Bradford, who played regularly and appeared in line for a big role next season, entered the NCAA transfer portal and reportedly has begun making visits. Another reserve, Stu Smith, also announced he planned to seek transfer options.
That left Vi’Naz Cobb, who played 80 snaps as a freshman with one start in the season finale against Indiana, as the most experienced safety on the roster.
Hampton and Noles, who also has ties to coach Barry Odom’s home state as an Oklahoma native, bring proven lower-level production and potential upside at a position of immediate need.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Ta’Vari Hampton, Juco All-American safety, commits to Purdue football