Luke Ertel, a promising basketball prospect, has made significant strides in the recruiting rankings, recently being placed in the top 50 of the 2026 class by Rivals/On3. The 6-foot-1 guard from Indiana is now ranked No. 46 overall, solidifying his position as a key player in college basketball’s future landscape. He is also recognized as the No. 7 point guard nationally and the No. 2 player from Indiana.
Ertel’s rise in rankings follows an impressive year at both Mt. Vernon High School and during the AAU circuit this summer. His performance on the 3SSB Circuit with Indiana Elite has been particularly noteworthy. He averaged 19.2 points and 5.4 assists per game while achieving a shooting percentage of 40% from beyond the three-point line. Additionally, his assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.32 highlights his effectiveness as a playmaker. Based on statistics compiled by Synergy Basketball, he ranked second in assists, seventh in scoring, fifth in assist-to-turnover ratio, and ninth in three-point shooting percentage during the circuit.
During his 2024-25 season at Mt. Vernon, Ertel continued to shine, averaging 22.7 points, 4.0 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. He demonstrated remarkable efficiency, shooting 51% from the field and 45% from three-point range. His contributions helped the Marauders achieve a strong 21-6 record, as they advanced to the semi-state round of the IHSAA Boys Basketball Tournament.
As of now, Ertel holds rankings of No. 46 by Rivals, No. 53 by 247Sports, and No. 98 by ESPN. These rankings reflect his growing reputation in the basketball community and highlight his potential as a future star for the Purdue Boilermakers.
In related news, Purdue’s recruitment efforts appear to be gaining momentum. Four-star forward Colben Landrew recently narrowed his list of potential schools to ten, with Purdue making the cut. Landrew is currently ranked as the No. 61 player in the 2026 class, indicating the university’s competitive standing in attracting top talent.
As Purdue continues to build its basketball program, the commitment of players like Ertel alongside potential recruits like Landrew suggests a promising future for the Boilermakers in collegiate basketball.
