Caden Pierce picks Purdue, will join Boilermakers for 2026–27 after completing Princeton degree
Former Princeton standout Caden Pierce, the 2023–24 Ivy League Player of the Year, has committed to Purdue and will use his final season of eligibility in West Lafayette in 2026–27. Pierce confirmed his decision on Friday (ET) after making five official visits. He is sitting out this season to finish his Princeton degree, a plan he set in motion over the summer before formally entering the transfer portal in October.
Why Purdue won the race
The 6-foot-7 forward evaluated a group of national powers before choosing the Boilermakers. Pierce said the visit to West Lafayette crystallized his choice, citing the program’s stability under head coach Matt Painter and the environment around the team. “I went on all five visits, just looking for the place that felt most like home for one year for me, ” Pierce said. “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. Mackey Arena is one of the best venues in college basketball, and I can be part of something special. ”
Timeline and eligibility
Pierce announced months ago he would preserve his final year by taking a redshirt season while completing his studies. He will not suit up this year, instead targeting a 2026–27 debut at Purdue. The forward emphasized that the gap year has been restorative. “I’ve been able to address whatever deficiencies I had without feeling like I had to play through injury, ” he said. “I was able to move at my own pace, get my body feeling great and stronger than ever. ”
He acknowledged the unusual rhythm of a year without games. “It’s been a different, unique year. I’ve never taken a full year off of competitive basketball. I’m still working out, getting all my work in, but it’s by myself, ” Pierce said, adding that the hiatus has deepened his appreciation for competition and locker-room camaraderie.
What Purdue is getting
Pierce arrives as one of the premier do-everything wings in college basketball. He started 89 games over three seasons at Princeton and burst onto the national scene as a sophomore by averaging 16. 6 points, 9. 2 rebounds, and 3. 2 assists while shooting efficiently from the field. He was the Ivy League Rookie of the Year as a freshman and helped fuel a Sweet 16 run, including a 16-rebound performance in the second round of the NCAA tournament against Missouri.
Last season, Pierce battled a significant ankle injury — two fully torn ligaments and two partially torn ligaments — yet still posted 11. 2 points, 7. 2 rebounds, and 3. 2 assists per game and earned second-team all-conference honors. He profiles as a plug-and-play starter for Purdue with elite rebounding for his position, toughness at the rim, and secondary playmaking that fits well in a motion-and-spacing system.
Boilermakers’ roster outlook
Purdue is set for a sizable reload before Pierce’s arrival, with four starters moving on after 2025–26, including All-American guard Braden Smith and program stalwarts Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer. C. J. Cox is expected to return in the backcourt, while reserves Omer Mayer, Jack Benter, Gicarri Harris, and Daniel Jacobsen could see expanded roles. The incoming talent pipeline remains strong, with a top-15 recruiting class headlined by Luke Ertel, Sinan Huan, and Jacob Webber.
Pierce said the staff was direct about opportunity and expectations. “They’re losing a lot of guys, a lot of older guys, a lot of seniors. It’s going to be a younger team, ” he said. “One of the things that makes coach Painter so respectable is he didn’t promise anything throughout the process. You’re still going to have to earn anything, but the opportunity is going to be there. ”
Midwest pull and family ties
A native of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Pierce is the younger brother of Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce and former North Carolina forward Justin Pierce. Returning closer to home factored into his decision, with West Lafayette within driving distance for friends and family. Pierce described the chance to play in the region as “special, ” noting the appeal of more loved ones being able to see his final college season in person.
What comes next
Pierce will continue individual work and limited five-on-five as he finishes his degree, with plans to arrive at Purdue ready to integrate immediately into summer workouts ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. For a program turning the page after a veteran era, his age, versatility, and track record of efficient production position him as a day-one impact starter. For Pierce, the destination offers a packed arena, a system that values two-way wings, and a final-year platform to chase postseason success. “Being removed from a competitive environment this long has made me gain a new appreciation for the competitive side of basketball, ” he said. “I can’t wait to be back in it. ”
