​Purdue’s new athletic director is using a rival’s approach to making a first impression — while taking aim at the rival.Tommy McClelland was introduced as Purdue’s AD on Thursday, Aug. 6. He wasted little time jabbing Indiana.”We are here to win championships,” he said. “If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana.”More from McClelland: Purdue introduces athletic director Tommy McClelland, who sets visionThat may seem odd, considering IU is coming off one college football’s craziest stories ever, winning an undefeated national championship just last season under second-year coach Curt Cignetti.But McClelland can’t be faulted for shooting low.“It’s time to raise the bar on what is possible,” he said.Already less than impressed with Purdue’s new athletic director hire.Why????Why in god’s name would you say this?Do you realize how dumb this makes you look??? pic.twitter.com/UAcyiXwZ9I— Nick Yeoman (@NYeoman) August 6, 2026Purdue men’s basketball was national runner-up in 2024, and volleyball reached the Elite Eight in 2025, but the Boilermakers’ football team has seven total wins over the last three seasons.Nathan Baird and Sam King have the best Purdue sports coverage, and sign up for IndyStar’s Boilermakers newsletter.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: New Purdue AD’s message: ‘If you don’t want to win championships, go to Indiana’