Purdue star Braden Smith had a strange wardrobe change during the Big 10 Championship on Sunday.
Purdue faced Michigan for the Big 10 title game at United Center in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, but the Purdue star did not look like himself. Smith typically wears No. 3, but early in the first half, he switched to a No. 41 jersey with no nameplate.
A uniform change for Braden Smith: he is now wearing No. 41. pic.twitter.com/wd1PNALdov
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 15, 2026
According to the CBS broadcast, Smith likely had to make the change because he had blood on his usual jersey. Still, it was a bit disorienting to see one of Purdue’s most important players in what was essentially a spare uniform.
Smith got off to an 0-for-3 start from the field, but went 3-of-5 in the rest of the half after the uniform change. While it wasn’t the intent, it apparently switched up his mojo.
Smith is one of the most accomplished passers in NCAA history. Opponents always have an eye on him, but the unusual uniform might have drawn even more attention to him on Sunday.
