Purdue Football Announces Dates for Hammer Down Cancer Game, Homecoming

Purdue football has announced the date for its annual Hammer Down Cancer game, Homecoming, and other game day promotions and themes for the 2025 season.

The Boilermakers will host Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 4 for the annual Hammer Down Cancer game. Typically, Purdue wears a special uniform or helmet sticker for the game. That game will have even more importance, as the two teams battle for the Purdue Canon, as well.

Additionally, Purdue has announced that Homecoming is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25 when it hosts Rutgers at Ross-Ade Stadium. It will be just the third meeting between the two programs in history.

Other promotions for the 2025 Purdue football season include:

• Aug. 30 vs. Ball State — Golden Hammer Game
• Sept. 6 vs. Southern Illinois — Ag Day & Kids Club Game 1
• Sept. 13 vs. USC — Family Day
• Oct. 4 vs. Illinois — Hammer Down Cancer Game
• Oct. 25 vs. Rutgers — Homecoming & Kids Club Game 2
• Nov. 8 vs. Ohio State — Military Appreciation Day
• Nov. 28 vs. Indiana — Senior Day