Trey Kaufman-Renn Injury Update: Will Purdue Star Return for Alabama Game?

Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn missed the Boilermakers’ season opener against Evansville on Tuesday due to a hip pointer and a sore back. Head coach Matt Painter provided a positive update afterward, saying the injury is not expected to be serious.

Kaufman-Renn, one of Purdue’s most reliable players, was a late scratch before the team’s dominant 82-51 win. Painter said the senior forward was close to playing but didn’t want to risk aggravating the injury so early in the season.

Matt Painter Gives Encouraging News on Trey Kaufman-Renn’s Recovery

Speaking after the game, Painter explained that Kaufman-Renn’s injury occurred during Monday’s practice. “He practiced Monday, and at the end, a hip pointer started bothering him,” Painter said. “He tried to go Tuesday. We’ll get some tests done and kind of see where he is. I don’t expect him to be out long. He might miss Friday, but I don’t expect him to be out a long time, if at all.”

The Boilermakers will next face Oakland on Friday, and while Kaufman-Renn’s availability remains uncertain, the team expects him to return by the following Thursday when Purdue plays No. 15 Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Painter emphasized that the staff will not rush him back, especially given the team’s depth early in the season.

Kaufman-Renn earned All-Big Ten honors last year, averaging 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 60% from the field. His combination of scoring efficiency and leadership made him one of the central figures in Purdue’s 2024–25 campaign. He is also on the Naismith National Player of the Year watch list alongside teammate Braden Smith.

Jack Benter Steps Up in Trey Kaufman-Renn’s Absence

With Kaufman-Renn sidelined, redshirt freshman Jack Benter stepped into the starting lineup and delivered a strong debut performance. Benter scored 11 points, hitting 4-of-7 shots and three three-pointers, while adding six rebounds, two assists, and a block.

Benter’s calm approach and readiness earned praise from both teammates and fans. “Just next guy up mentality,” Benter said postgame. “I have to be ready to go, no matter what. I just started the game instead of coming off the bench.”

Painter noted that Benter’s offseason work prepared him well for this opportunity, calling him a “reliable option at the four spot” who can contribute until Kaufman-Renn returns. With a deep rotation and veteran experience, Purdue remains in a comfortable position even as its star forward recovers.

Kaufman-Renn’s status will continue to be monitored, but all signs point to a short absence. Purdue’s medical team is treating the injury as day-to-day, and fans can expect an update before the Alabama matchup on Nov. 13.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Trey Kaufman-Renn’s current injury?

Kaufman-Renn is dealing with a hip pointer and sore back suffered during Monday’s practice, according to coach Matt Painter.

Q2: Will Trey Kaufman-Renn play against Oakland?

He is listed as day-to-day and might miss the Oakland game, but a return against Alabama on Nov. 13 is likely.

Q3: How did Purdue perform without Trey Kaufman-Renn?

Purdue won its opener 82-51 over Evansville, with Jack Benter filling in effectively as a starter.

Q4: What were Trey Kaufman-Renn’s stats last season?

He averaged 20.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and shot nearly 60% from the field, earning All-Big Ten honors.

Q5: Who replaced Kaufman-Renn in the starting lineup?

Redshirt freshman Jack Benter started in his place and scored 11 points with six rebounds in his debut.