Podcast 143 – Jerry Palm
SUMMARY
“This Is Purdue,” the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap.
Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication graduate, and Indiana native Kate Young, “This Is Purdue” aims to examine all of the incredible accomplishments of Boilermakers and their contributions to the world.
Below, you’ll find helpful information, stories, and social media content regarding this episode of “This Is Purdue.”
STRATEGY
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jerry Palm (BS computer science ’85), a nationally recognized bracketology savant.
Jerry was previously the lead bracketologist at CBS Sports and has made countless national media appearances discussing all things college sports. Now he leads his own bracketology website, where he shares his data-driven projections on NCAA Tournament and College Football Playoff team selections and seedings. Jerry breaks down his expert bracket strategy, which is perfectly timed ahead of the upcoming NCAA Tournament that will culminate with the Final Four in downtown Indianapolis on April 4 and 6!
This is also an exciting episode for “This Is Purdue” because, for the first time, host Kate Young is joined by a special co-host: Derek Schultz, Purdue spokesman and Indy sports personality!
In this episode, you will:
- Learn more about Jerry’s trailblazing path to being a leading bracketologist
- Gain knowledge about the art and science behind bracketology, and how Jerry balances both to help make accurate predictions for team selections and seedings
- Hear about the origins of the bracketology field and Jerry’s journey from accessing scores in the library in the ’90s to utilizing cutting-edge technologies and forecasting tools today
- Discover more about Jerry’s ties to Purdue, including his family’s Boilermaker legacy and how being a computer science and “All-American” Marching Band alum shaped his passion for sports and STEM
- Learn more about his seeding predictions for the 2026 NCAA season and how factors like NBA prospects and big wins on away courts can impact bracket performance for experts and fans
Basketball fans — this is the perfect episode for you! Don’t miss Jerry’s elite bracket and industry insights, just in time for tournament season.
RESOURCES INCLUDE:
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Link to the podcast: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/jerry-palm
General podcast page: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-purdue/id1496040232
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1npQBIaTzFnCvDlzeiNV7j?si=h0K1NkdwTMeu-MlzckGaHw
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SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Facebook:
- It’s that thrilling time of year again: tournament season! 🏀 🗓️ And Jerry Palm, national bracketology savant and @PurdueCS alumnus, is at the forefront of the industry. On the new episode of #ThisIsPurdue, he shares his tried-and-true methods for building an impressive bracket as well as his team selection and seeding projections for 2026. He also dives into his career highlights, including being a pioneer in his field. Now, he’s leading his own bracketology website and discussing how his experiences as a proud Boilermaker and member of @PurdueAAMB molded his life and career. It’s the perfect episode to listen to as we gear up for the @ncaa1906 Final Four in Indy this April! Listen today: <link>
- What does a bracketologist do? And how does this role impact basketball fans and industry insiders? 🤔 🏀 On #ThisIsPurdue, Jerry Palm, pro bracketologist, gets into how his data-driven projections shed light on how things will play out this March. Listen to Jerry’s full #ThisIsPurdue episode: <link>
LinkedIn:
- “I’ve been doing this since 1994, and I was the first person to do it.” 💪 We’ve got a bracket legend in our midst, just in time for the @NCAA Final Four in Indy! 🏀 On the latest episode of #ThisIsPurdue, Jerry Palm, national bracketologist, discusses his strategies for choosing winning matchups this March and his journey in the field, from @PurdueCS to leading his own bracketology website. He also gives basketball fans an inside look at his 2026 tournament predictions and explains how his foundational STEM background drives his sharp observations. Listen today 🎧: <link>
- Bracketology: It’s more intuitive than you think. 🧠 At least, according to bracketology savant Jerry Palm! He sits down with co-hosts Kate Young and Derek Schultz on #ThisIsPurdue to offer his expert insights into the field and how utilizing basic data knowledge can help basketball fans crush their brackets. 🏀 Listen to Jerry’s full #ThisIsPurdue episode: <link>
- Once upon a time — in the ’90s — you had to visit the library to create a tournament bracket. 🏀 📚 That’s how Jerry Palm tells it. On #ThisIsPurdue, the bracketology savant describes his intriguing experiences in the field, including being an industry pioneer and how various innovations have enhanced his analysis over time. Listen to Jerry’s full #ThisIsPurdue episode: <link>
X:
- Want to create a winning tournament bracket but need some pointers? 🏀 Then the new #ThisIsPurdue episode is for you! @jppalm85, a national authority on bracketology, unpacks his tips for bracket success this March. 🎧: <link>
- When March tourney season rolls around, it’s time to shine for leading bracketologists like @jppalm85. 🏀 He catches up with us on #ThisIsPurdue and shares his career highlights, 2026 predictions and @NCAA Final Four thoughts! <link>
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