Purdue Boilermakers’ Fletcher Loyer Named to TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2025
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Boilermakers senior guard Fletcher Loyer has been named one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME magazine for 2025, a prestigious honor that recognizes his remarkable impact on college basketball and beyond. The announcement, made on April 16, 2025, underscores Loyer’s rise as a leader, a sharpshooter, and an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. This milestone cements his reputation as one of Purdue’s all-time greats and a transformative figure in the sport.
Loyer, a 6-foot-2 guard from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been a cornerstone of the Boilermakers’ success under head coach Matt Painter. Known for his lethal three-point shooting and clutch performances, Loyer has not only rewritten Purdue’s record books but also captured the attention of the basketball world with his poise and leadership. His inclusion in the TIME 100 list, which features athletes, coaches, and sports figures who have shaped the global landscape, places him alongside icons like Serena Williams and Simone Biles.
“Being named to the TIME 100 is an incredible honor, one I never imagined when I started playing basketball,” Loyer said in a statement released by Purdue Athletics. “I’m grateful to my family, coaches, teammates, and the Boilermaker fans who have supported me every step of the way. This recognition is a testament to the hard work we put in at Purdue and the culture Coach Painter has built.”
Loyer’s journey to this accolade is a story of dedication and resilience. Born on September 1, 2003, to John and Kate Loyer, he grew up in a basketball family. His father, John, is a scout for the Los Angeles Clippers and served as interim head coach of the Detroit Pistons in 2014, while his brother, Foster, was Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 2018 and played at Michigan State and Davidson. His grandfather, Al McFarland, played for Purdue in 1964, and his mother, Kate, was an assistant coach for Purdue’s volleyball program. This deep connection to the game and Purdue fueled Loyer’s drive to succeed.
As a high school standout, Loyer first made waves at Clarkston High School in Michigan, where he averaged 22 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists as a sophomore. After moving to Fort Wayne, he led Homestead High School to a 25-1 record as a junior, averaging 24.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 44.9% from three-point range and 90.3% from the free-throw line. His senior year culminated in winning the national High School 3-point Championship in New Orleans, earning him the 2022 Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year award and runner-up for Indiana Mr. Basketball.
At Purdue, Loyer made an immediate impact as a freshman in the 2022-23 season, setting a program record for three-point shots made in a single game by a freshman (6) against Nebraska. He earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors multiple times and was an All-Big Ten honorable mention as Purdue won the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles. Despite a stunning NCAA Tournament loss to Fairleigh Dickinson, Loyer’s resilience shone through, setting the stage for his growth.
His junior season in 2024-25 was a breakout campaign, as Loyer averaged 13.8 points per game and shot 44.4% from three, ranking 11th nationally and first in the Big Ten. He scored in double figures in 29 of Purdue’s 36 games, including a season-high 24 points in a road win over Minnesota. Loyer joined Purdue’s 1,000-point club in a victory over Rutgers, becoming one of the program’s most prolific scorers. His leadership was instrumental in guiding younger teammates like freshmen CJ Cox and Gicarri Harris, helping Purdue secure a share of their 26th Big Ten regular season championship and reach the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen.
Off the court, Loyer’s influence extends to his academic excellence and community involvement. Majoring in organizational leadership, he is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree with a 3.0-plus GPA. He has also been active in Purdue’s community outreach, participating in youth basketball clinics and charity events in West Lafayette. His ability to balance academics, athletics, and service has made him a role model for student-athletes nationwide.
TIME’s recognition of Loyer highlights his broader impact on the sport. As college basketball navigates the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL
