In their second season under head coach Stu Holcomb, the Boilermakers compiled a 3–6 record, finished in a tie for fifth place in the Big Ten Conference with a 2–4 record against conference opponents, and were outscored by their opponents by a total of 175 to 126.
[1][2] Several players from the 1948 team went on to have successful careers in football, both at the professional level and in coaching.
Notable players from the 1948 Purdue team included halfback Harry Szulborski and tackle Phil O'Reilly.
34 in the final Litkenhous Difference by Score System ratings for 1948.
[3] Despite the challenges, the season helped lay the groundwork for future improvements in the program under Coach Holcomb's leadership.