Big Ten Daily (Jan. 6): Trey Kaufman-Renn the 'Difference' in Purdue's Win Over Illinois

"I just thought Trey was active," Painter said after the game. "The way he played tonight is the way he played the whole summer. That's how he kinda got himself in this position. You don't see it as much because he doesn't play heavy minutes all the time, even though he starts.

"And then, when Braden (Smith) has it rolling, Zach has it rolling, sometimes you don't get the ball as much. But I thought he was fabulous tonight. You want to grab an individual, he's probably the difference for us."

Purdue was in complete control for most of the game, jumping out to a 20-4 lead early. At halftime, the Boilers owned a 47-32 advantage. At one point, the Fighting Illini found themselves trailing 66-45 in the second half, which seemed to put the game on ice.

But Illinois didn't quit. The Illini went on an 8-0 run late in the second half, closing the gap to 81-78 with 12 seconds to play. Smith knocked down two free throws to put the game away for Purdue. 

In addition to big efforts from Kaufman-Renn and Edey, the Boilermakers also got 17 points from Lance Jones and 14 from Smith. Mason Gillis came off the bench and scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Purdue improved to 14-1 (3-1), notching its fourth win over a top-10 foe this season. Illinois dropped to 11-3 (2-1).

With Edey in foul trouble, Purdue got production from a number of guys. But it was Kaufman-Renn's effort that shined brightest. It was just a glimpse of things to come from the redshirt sophomore.

Now we understand what Painter was talking about when he said Kaufman-Renn was an All-Big Ten type of player for the Boilermakers.

Cooper DeJean Declares For NFL Draft

One of Iowa's top defensive players and special teams standout has decided on his future. Cooper DeJean has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

DeJean made his announcement with a post on X. He could've returned to Iowa City for one more season, but decided to pursue a future at the next level.

"I want to thank Coach (Kirk) Ferentz for the special opportunity to play at the University of Iowa, Coach (Phil) Parker for all he has taught me and for sharing the passion he has for the game, and the rest of the staff who takes so much pride in teaching the game and doing things the right way," DeJean said.

"Thank you to Hawkeye Nation for your continued support. It has been so much fun to play in front of the best fans in the country each and every week. With that being said, I am declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft!"

DeJean was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and Return Specialist of the Year in 2023. 

On defense, DeJean finished the season with 26 tackles, five pass break-ups, two tackles for loss and two interceptions. As a return man, he accounted for 241 yards and a touchdown on 21 attempts.

DeJean concludes his Iowa career with 120 tackles, 13 pass break-ups, seven interceptions and three defensive touchdowns. He also racked up 406 punt return yards.

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