Purdue All-American G Braden Smith returning for senior season

Field Level Media|published: 04/14/2025, 6:28pm EDT

Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan (7) defends the pass of Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) Friday, March 28, 2025, during the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Houston Cougars won 62-60.

Consensus first-team All-American point guard Braden Smith announced Monday that he is returning to Purdue for the 2025-26 campaign.

The finalist for the Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year awards made his announcement on Instagram.

"Running it back one last time," Smith said. "Purdue has given me everything: Memories, challenges, growth, and a family. There's still more to prove, more to accomplish, and more moments to create with my brothers.

"Much love to my guys and Boiler Nation! Let's make this next year unforgettable!"

Smith was Big Ten Player of the Year as a junior this past season and won the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard.

He averaged 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals and made 83 3-pointers in 36 games to help Purdue (24-12) reach the Sweet 16 before losing to Houston. He had 15 assists in the loss to the Cougars.

Smith is Purdue's all-time leader with 758 career assists.

--Field Level Media