Black and gold decorations envelop the home of senior Matt Muñoz as Purdue University banners, jerseys, pictures and other paraphernalia hang on walls and sit on shelves. The Muñoz family have been proud fans since Muñoz’s parents both graduated from Purdue nearly 25 years ago. But family might have another reason to support Purdue, as Muñoz was offered a spot on the roster of their football team. 

“They’ve been my favorite team forever,” Muñoz said. “I grew up watching Purdue football.”

While Muñoz has been given a dream opportunity, it’s not as simple as it seems. Muñoz says he has multiple tough decisions and obstacles that could lead him down different paths instead of being a Boilermaker. 

“A lot of schools were already recruiting me, and I thought I had all my options,” Muñoz said. “When (Purdue) reached out, it was kind of late in my recruiting process.”  

Muñoz, being a successful tight-end that qualified for All-Conference first team and a 6-foot-5-inch power forward that can consistently dunk and shoot threes, attracted the attention of other schools like Ball State University and Hanover College. According to Muñoz, the biggest obstacle in his way isn’t getting stronger physically and honing his skill, it’s choosing which school he wants to go to. Purdue and Ball State provide football opportunities while Hanover opens doors for basketball. 

“I have to pick between basketball and football, and I love them both,” Muñoz said.

Head football coach Brandon Winters is confident in Muñoz’s abilities and potential. Winters has seen Muñoz develop in the football program since his sophomore year and says that Muñoz has ideal traits for a future collegiate athlete. Since Muñoz is a dual-sport athlete, He is constantly competing and displaying his versatility. 

“Not only does he work hard, but he tries to do it the exact way he’s coached, and that’s why I think his best football is ahead of him,” Winters said. 

Muñoz says this whole process has been stressful for him. Having to pick between two sports and big schools versus small schools is difficult enough, but adding on to this challenge is Muñoz’s recent injury. Muñoz had surgery in January after tearing his meniscus on his way down from a dunk. This type of injury can set an athlete back for upwards of three months, according to Matt.

“I want to play so bad,” Muñoz said. “I feel like it’s holding me back from preparing for the next level no matter what I choose.”

Regardless of what the future holds, Muñoz says he plans on studying biology wherever he goes, and he’s going to choose a school that challenges him and helps him succeed. 

“He’s a very good high school player,” Winters said. “I think he’s going to be a better college player than high school, because he’s just going to keep getting better and better and better.”