Idaho Vandals Land Canadian Transfer Forward Hudson Ward as Fifth Offseason Addition
MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho men’s basketball program continued building its offseason roster Monday, securing the commitment of 6’7″ forward Hudson Ward, a transfer from Western Michigan and a native of Leduc, Alberta, Canada. Ward becomes the fifth addition for head coach Alex Pribble and his staff as the reigning Big Sky Conference champions look to defend their title in 2026-27.
A Versatile Forward With Multi-Level Experience
Ward brings a blend of size, athleticism, and proven collegiate experience to Moscow. During the 2025-26 season at Western Michigan, the forward started six games and appeared in 13 contests for the Broncos, averaging 4.5 points on 46.3% shooting and pulling down 3.4 rebounds per game. His season-high came in December against Buffalo, when he scored 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting while also knocking down three three-pointers, demonstrating range beyond his size.
Prior to his time in Kalamazoo, Ward spent his freshman year at Penn State, appearing in eight games for the Nittany Lions — including two contests in key Big Ten Conference matchups against Ohio State and UCLA. That experience at one of college basketball’s premier conferences gives Ward a competitive foundation that Pribble and his staff clearly find appealing.
In public remarks shared by the program, Pribble spoke highly of the new addition. “We often look for versatility in the recruiting process, and Hudson has a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism,” Pribble said. “He can guard multiple positions, create a ton of different advantages on the court, and he loves the game. He had a dominant prep career in Canada, and has collegiate experience at the highest level. We believe strongly that his best basketball is ahead of him, and we can’t wait to get him out to Moscow and get to work.”
A Standout Prep Career and International Pedigree
Before arriving on the college scene, Ward established himself as one of Canada’s top prep prospects. A three-star recruit out of Leduc Composite High School and Western Canada Prep Academy — both connected to the Edmonton area — Ward averaged 26.2 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game, helping his program to a 56-24 record over two seasons. His prep résumé includes three 50-point triple-doubles, a rare statistical achievement at any level of competition.
Ward’s international credentials are equally impressive. He was named to the 2024 All-Canadian Games roster, posting 15 points against the country’s top prep talent. He also represented Canada on the global stage as a member of the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup squad, appearing in all seven games and scoring in double figures during Canada’s knockout round matchup against host nation Spain.
Ward is the second Canadian player added by Idaho this offseason, joining fellow transfer TJ Wal. He also becomes the third announced portal acquisition for Pribble’s program, alongside 2024 Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year Kase Wynott and first-team All-GNAC honoree Diego Trejo-Delgado. The Vandals’ active offseason reflects the program’s commitment to sustaining the success that brought them a Big Sky Conference championship.
The University of Idaho, located in Moscow along the Palouse, has emerged as one of the more aggressive programs in the transfer portal under Pribble’s leadership — a strategy that has paid dividends at the conference level. For fans following along with the program’s continued growth, the University of Idaho Extension is also set to launch a new Ag Talk Tuesday season, reflecting the breadth of the university’s community engagement beyond athletics. Additionally, for those interested in Idaho Vandals history, the UI recently launched a digital collection honoring longtime reporter Ben J. Plas, preserving decades of Vandal coverage for future generations.
What Comes Next
With Ward now committed, the Vandals have five offseason additions secured heading into the summer. Idaho fans and program observers will be watching closely to see whether Pribble and his staff make additional moves in the portal before the roster is finalized for the 2026-27 season. Official practice schedules and the full non-conference slate are expected to be announced in the coming months through the university’s athletics department at govandals.com.