Purdue's Ryan Walters doesn't know why Colorado ever left the Big 12

Purdue head coach Ryan Walters is hyperfocused on the state of the Boilermakers prior to the 2023 football season. The Colorado alum took time out of his busy schedule to answer questions at Big Ten Football Media Days this week.

As a first-time head coach, the former Illinois defensive coordinator steps into a great situation. Purdue won the Big Ten West last season and looks to be a competitor amongst the conference heavyweights. Walters isn't looking behind him, but he did comment on the Buffs heading back to the Big 12.

"I wish (CU) nothing but the best," Walters said. "I think the move back to the Big 12 will be good. I don't know why they left in the first place."

Walters said he doesn't personally know Deion Sanders and has yet to meet him, but grew up a "Prime Time" fan. He also tried to emulate the Hall of Famer's flashy style of play.

Walters started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Colorado in 2009 under Dan Hawkins. CU's second-to-last year in the Big 12 before migrating to the Pac-12. He told reporters that his passion for coaching football started in the hallways of Dal Ward. It's a truly surreal feeling for Walters and a true success story as a Colorado kid from Grandview HS.

"I just remember that first staff meeting saying, man, this is what I want to do," Walters said. "This is who I want to be, so to be here before you today is awesome.”

Walters and the Boilermakers open the season at home with Fresno State before facing two ACC opponents. A trip to Blacksburg for a meeting with Virginia Tech prior to returning home to face Syracuse, which rounds out Purdue's non-conference schedule.