Caden Pierce to redshirt

Caden Pierce to Redshirt 2025 26 Season, Plans Graduate Transfer Move

Princeton basketball standout Caden Pierce has announced he will redshirt the upcoming 2025 26 season, preserving a final year of NCAA eligibility as he finishes his undergraduate degree. The decision signals a strategic pause in his college basketball journey, allowing him to graduate from Princeton before entering the transfer portal as a graduate student in 2026.

Pierce, known for his versatility and high basketball IQ, was the Ivy League Player of the Year in the 2023 24 season. A core part of Princeton’s Sweet 16 run in 2023, he has consistently been among the team’s most reliable performers, averaging double digit points and leading the squad in rebounds. His impact extended beyond the stat sheet Pierce brought a level of intensity and leadership that became central to Princeton's recent resurgence on the national stage.

However, with changes in Princeton’s coaching staff and several teammates departing, Pierce has chosen to take a thoughtful step back. Rather than immediately diving into the chaotic transfer portal, he’ll spend the year focused on academics while maintaining his physical conditioning and preparing for one last chapter on the court.

This move isn’t injury related; it’s calculated. By redshirting now, he avoids the rush of post season transfer commitments and can weigh offers more deliberately from Power Five programs or others seeking a veteran presence. His experience, two way ability, and high character reputation make him a valuable target.

Pierce’s decision reflects a growing trend among elite student athletes balancing long term academic goals with athletic ambitions in a way that maximizes both. As he prepares to graduate from one of the nation’s top universities, his next stop will likely bring him to a higher profile program with better exposure and stronger NIL infrastructure. But for now, Caden Pierce is choosing patience, precision, and preparation an Ivy League play both on and off the court.