CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami men’s basketball head coach Jai Lucas revealed on Monday that Ernest Udeh Jr. will join the Hurricanes’ 2025-26 roster.
Udeh Jr., a 6-foot-11, 260-pound center from Orlando, Florida, transfers to Miami after spending two seasons at TCU. During his time with the Horned Frogs, he averaged 5.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while starting all 59 contests.
“Ernest brings not just a strong physical presence on the court, but also the kind of personality that’s crucial as we build our team culture,” Lucas said. “He’s a tone-setter and will serve as a leader on the floor, essentially an extension of the coaching staff. He’s among the top rebounders nationally and has the tools to become one of the best defenders in college basketball. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the program.”
During the 2024-25 season, Udeh Jr. was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention after ranking seventh in the conference in rebounds per game (7.5) and 11th in blocks per game (1.3). He led TCU in rebounding in 16 games and recorded double-digit rebounds on nine occasions.
A force around the rim, 70 percent of Udeh Jr.’s 110 made field goals at TCU (77 total) came on dunks, highlighting his dominance in the paint.
Udeh Jr. began his college career at Kansas, where he shot an impressive 75.6 percent from the field as a freshman. He set a school record with 21 consecutive made field goals across 17 games between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28. In limited action, averaging just 8.3 minutes per game, he posted 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds per contest.
A standout in high school, Udeh Jr. earned McDonald’s All-American honors as a senior in 2021-22, putting up 13.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. He was ranked No. 23 in the ESPN100 for the class of 2022, No. 31 by 247Sports, and No. 32 by Rivals.
