BREAKING: Purdue forward Cam Heide commits to Texas, averaging 4.7 PPG and 3.6 RPG last season. He’s Sean Miller’s second portal addition.

In a move that signals the momentum of Texas Longhorns basketball under new head coach Sean Miller, former Purdue forward Cam Heide has announced his decision to transfer to the University of Texas. Heide, who averaged 4.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game during the 2024–25 season, becomes the second transfer portal addition for Miller since his return to the college coaching ranks.

This commitment marks a pivotal acquisition as the Longhorns begin to reshape their identity, looking to get tougher, more athletic, and more versatile under Miller’s leadership. Heide’s arrival may not dominate headlines like a five-star freshman or a transfer averaging 20 points per game—but make no mistake—this move is foundational.

Let’s take a deeper look at who Cam Heide is, what led to this decision, and how he fits into the future of Texas basketball.

A Look at Cam Heide’s Background

Cam Heide arrived at Purdue University as a top-100 national prospect, known for his athleticism, size, and above-the-rim play style. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing in at around 200 pounds, Heide brought a mix of wing scoring, slashing ability, and defensive energy to a Purdue team consistently competing at the top of the Big Ten.

His freshman year was a redshirt season, allowing him to develop physically and adjust to the college game. In 2023–24, he earned rotational minutes behind a deep frontcourt, seeing action in most games and making a name for himself with hustle plays, putback dunks, and solid on-ball defense.

By the 2024–25 season, Heide had carved out a more prominent role. While not a primary scorer, his value went beyond the box score. He was frequently assigned to defend the opposing team’s best wing, crashed the boards with urgency, and displayed flashes of perimeter shooting that suggested untapped offensive potential.

In his sophomore season, Heide averaged 4.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and nearly 1 steal per game, while shooting a respectable percentage from the field. His energy and two-way effort stood out on a Purdue squad known more for its frontcourt dominance than wing depth. Now, he brings that skill set—and growth potential—to a Longhorns team looking for just that kind of player.

Why Texas? Why Now?

Heide’s decision to enter the transfer portal didn’t come with drama. It was a basketball move—a reflection of his desire for a larger role in a system better suited to his skills. Purdue, loaded with frontcourt talent and playing a traditional style built around big men, simply wasn’t the perfect fit for a wing forward with growing offensive ambitions.

Enter Sean Miller.

Texas’ new head coach is no stranger to developing multi-positional forwards and has built his success on a defense-first philosophy that allows athletic, high-motor players like Heide to flourish. The fit makes sense: Miller gets a plug-and-play athlete with two years of Big Ten experience, and Heide gets an opportunity to evolve from role player to featured contributor.

For Heide, the appeal of playing in a more open system, with opportunities in transition, more spacing on offense, and an SEC-ready strength and conditioning program, made Texas a natural choice. Combine that with the chance to be a foundational piece in Miller’s rebuild, and it’s easy to understand why this match came together.

Heide’s Fit with the Longhorns

From a basketball standpoint, Heide brings multiple tools to a Longhorns team that desperately needs his skill set.

1. Defensive Versatility

Heide’s calling card has always been his ability to defend multiple positions. At 6’7″ with good lateral movement, he can switch across positions 2 through 4, making him an ideal fit in Miller’s defensive schemes. Texas has struggled at times with perimeter defense and rebounding from the wing, and Heide helps shore up both areas.

2. Athleticism and Hustle

You can’t teach motor—and Heide brings it. Whether diving for loose balls, sprinting back on defense, or fighting for offensive rebounds, he’s the type of high-effort player who wins possessions and energizes teammates. In transition, he runs the floor like a guard and finishes with authority. This will be especially valuable for Texas, which is aiming to play a more uptempo style in 2025–26.

3. Untapped Offensive Potential

Heide’s offensive numbers at Purdue don’t scream star potential, but they also don’t reflect his true ceiling. Limited touches and a crowded rotation meant he didn’t get many opportunities to showcase his full offensive game. That’s likely to change at Texas. With improved confidence and an expanded role, Heide could easily double his scoring average. He has shown flashes of perimeter shooting and a strong first step off the dribble. Look for Miller to run sets that get Heide moving without the ball—where he thrives.

4. Locker Room Presence and Work Ethic

Heide is regarded as a quiet leader, a player who lets his effort and preparation speak louder than words. Coaches at Purdue and in high school praised his coachability, professionalism, and relentless work ethic. For a Texas team undergoing transition, having a mature, blue-collar presence in the locker room will be invaluable.

Sean Miller’s Vision and the Transfer Portal Strategy

This commitment is also a reflection of Sean Miller’s early approach to building Texas into a contender.

Rather than swinging for the fences with big names or one-and-done phenoms, Miller appears to be assembling a roster of experienced, physically ready, and mentally tough players who can thrive in his system. The portal has become a lifeline for coaches trying to build quickly and efficiently, and Heide represents a shrewd, high-upside addition.

Along with Tyler Kolodny, a guard transfer who adds shooting and veteran savvy, Miller now has two foundational pieces who know how to compete and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Expect more portal movement in the coming weeks, but it’s already clear: Miller’s Longhorns will be hard-nosed, defensively committed, and built on substance.

What’s Next for Heide and the Longhorns?

While Heide won’t be expected to carry the scoring load alone, he could very well be a starter from Day One. His versatility means he could line up at the 3 or the 4, depending on matchups and the development of Texas’ younger forwards.

Heide will likely be given the green light to expand his offensive game and take more shots in rhythm. As he continues to grow his ball-handling and shot-creation skills, he could evolve into a double-digit scorer and All-SEC caliber defender.

His impact won’t be measured only in points and rebounds. Heide’s true value may lie in being a tone-setter—the kind of player that defines how hard a team plays. In March, those are the guys who matter most.

Final Thoughts

Cam Heide may not have been the flashiest name in the transfer portal, but his commitment to Texas could prove to be one of the most impactful moves of the offseason for the Longhorns.

In Heide, Texas gets a player with big-game experience, elite effort, and room to grow. In Texas, Heide finds a program and a coach ready to trust him, develop him, and give him the stage to take the next step.

It’s a win-win—on and off the court.

As the Longhorns prepare for a new era under Sean Miller, with the SEC move on the horizon and a fresh identity in the works, one thing is clear: