Purdue Lands Third Commitment for 2026 Class from La Lumiere Forward
Purdue added another key piece to its 2026 recruiting class this past weekend, securing a verbal commitment from 6-foot-8 forward Rivers Knight of La Lumiere Prep.
The news, reported by On3 and Sam Kayser of League Ready, confirmed that Knight has pledged to join head coach Matt Painter and the Boilermakers. The announcement was made public on Sunday.
Knight, a three-star recruit, chose Purdue over other offers from schools including Illinois, LSU, VCU, Mississippi State, and High Point. He’s now the third player to commit to Purdue’s 2026 class, joining point guard Luke Ertel (6-foot-1) and shooting guard Jacob Webber (6-foot-6).
According to 247Sports Composite Rankings, Knight is ranked No. 239 nationally in the 2026 class and holds a three-star rating. He currently plays for La Lumiere School in LaPorte, Indiana.
Known for his shooting touch at his size, Knight is especially effective around the basket on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he brings a strong post game and can also stretch the floor with perimeter shooting. On defense, he stands out as a physical rebounder and rim protector, regularly altering shots and blocking drives from smaller opponents.
Before transferring to La Lumiere, Knight played at Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina. As a junior, he averaged 17.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.0 blocks, and 2.1 assists per game.
How Does Knight Fit at Purdue?
Knight projects as a classic power forward — comfortable working in the post but also capable of spacing the floor and defending outside the paint.
With Trey Kaufman-Renn set to depart after the 2025-26 season — following a year in which he led Purdue with 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game — the Boilermakers are in need of a new presence at the four spot. While Knight may not immediately replace Kaufman-Renn’s production, his skill set and size make him a strong candidate to step into that traditional role.
Check out some of Knight’s highlights below:
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