The team compiled a 2–1 record in the university's second season fielding an intercollegiate football team.

Archaeologist and Harvard alumnus, George Andrew Reisner, was the team's coach.

The team opened its season on November 16 with a 34–10 victory over DePauw for the first victory in Purdue football history and the first game played in Lafayette, Indiana.

Purdue defeated Wabash the following week, 18–4, and concluded its season on November 29 with a 14–0 loss against Butler.

This college football 1880s season article is a stub.