Ex-Princeton Star Caden Pierce Commits to Purdue

The 6-foot-7 forward will join the Boilermakers for the 2026-27 season.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Former Princeton star Caden Pierce, the 2023-24 Ivy League Player of the Year, announced that he will transfer to Purdue for the 2026-27 season. Pierce, who is sitting out this season to finish his degree, also considered UConn, Duke, Gonzaga, and Louisville before deciding on the Boilermakers.

Why it matters

Pierce was a key player for Princeton, helping the Tigers reach the Sweet Sixteen as a No. 15 seed in the 2022-23 NCAA Tournament. His decision to transfer to Purdue will bolster the Boilermakers' roster and provide him the opportunity to play close to his brother, Alec, who is a receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.

The details

Pierce, a 6-foot-7 forward, was the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2023-24 after averaging 16.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. He dealt with an ankle injury last season but still earned second-team All-Ivy honors, finishing his Princeton career with 1,069 points and 710 rebounds in 90 games. Pierce announced his intention to transfer during the summer and formally entered the portal in October.

  • Pierce won Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors in the 2022-23 season.
  • In the 2023-24 season, Pierce averaged 16.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, earning Ivy League Player of the Year honors.
  • Last season, Pierce averaged 11.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, earning second-team All-Ivy honors.
  • Pierce announced his intention to transfer during the summer and formally entered the transfer portal in October 2025.
  • Pierce will join Purdue for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Caden Pierce

A 6-foot-7 forward who was the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2023-24 and helped Princeton reach the Sweet Sixteen in the 2022-23 NCAA Tournament.

Matt Painter

The head coach of the Purdue Boilermakers, who has built the program into an unbelievable one over the years.

Alec Pierce

Caden's brother, who is a receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.

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What they’re saying

“I went on all five visits, just looking for the place that felt most like home for one year for me. Purdue obviously has an unbelievable program that coach (Matt) Painter has built over the years. When I was on campus, with the coaches and with the guys, it felt like a great place for me. I wanted to be a part of that program.”

— Caden Pierce (ESPN)

“Mackey Arena is one of the best venues in college basketball, and I can be part of something special.”

— Caden Pierce (ESPN)

“It's been a different, unique year. That's the only way to put it. I've never taken a full year off of competitive basketball. It's been a little bit of an adjustment. I'm still working out, getting all my work in, but it's by myself. I've had limited opportunities to play 5-on-5. Being removed from a competitive environment for this long has made me gain a new appreciation for the competitive side of basketball and the camaraderie in the locker room.”

— Caden Pierce (ESPN)

What’s next

Caden Pierce will join the Purdue Boilermakers for the 2026-27 season, where he will look to continue his success and help the team compete for a championship.

The takeaway

Caden Pierce's decision to transfer to Purdue showcases the appeal of the Boilermakers' program and the opportunity to play close to home. His addition will bolster Purdue's roster and provide him a chance to showcase his skills on a national stage after a standout career at Princeton.