Florida State football has taken a significant step forward in bolstering its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of high-upside defensive lineman Wihttlely Cadeau. This crucial addition marks the Seminoles’ first verbal commitment during a pivotal month of June, following two weekend showcases that welcomed over two dozen prospective recruits to Tallahassee for official visits. Early indications from these visits have been overwhelmingly positive, culminating in Cadeau’s decision to join the #Tribe26 program on Sunday. Cadeau selected Florida State over competitive offers from prominent programs including Purdue and Georgia State. Beyond these immediate contenders, he’d previously garnered interest from a diverse group of schools, encompassing Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Georgia Tech – demonstrating his appeal across the nation. A particularly noteworthy development was Florida State’s proactive engagement in Cadeau’s recruitment, with defensive line coach Terrence Knighton extending a scholarship offer last month, representing a pivotal moment in the young prospect’s journey. This commitment now signifies Knighton’s initial success in building relationships and securing a top talent for the #Tribe26. Cadeau is a rising star, showcasing considerable potential as a defensive lineman.

He delivered a strong performance during his junior season at New Manchester High School, recording a season-high eight tackles, alongside three tackles for loss against South Atlanta High School and another two tackles for loss against KIPP Atlanta Collegiate. These statistics highlight his aggressive approach and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Cadeau, a native of Georgia, is still in the early stages of developing his full skillset, indicating significant room for growth under Knighton’s guidance. His athleticism and physical attributes – standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 295 pounds – suggest a high ceiling if he can consistently refine his technique and maximize his potential. Currently, Florida State’s defensive tackle situation for the 2025 season is led by redshirt senior Darrell Jackson Jr., alongside redshirt junior Daniel Lyons, redshirt junior Jayson Jenkins, junior Tyeland Coleman, redshirt sophomore KJ Sampson, and redshirt freshman Jamorie Flagg. Additionally, true freshman Kevin Wynn is also part of the defensive tackle rotation.

The Seminoles’ strategic approach to the defensive interior is further strengthened by the presence of other talented prospects already committed to the 2026 class, including four-star wide receiver Efreem White, four-star wide receiver Darryon Williams, four-star defensive back Darryl Bell III, four-star running back Amarri Thomas, four-star defensive back Tedarius Hughes, three-star defensive back Sean Johnson, three-star linebacker Karon Maycock, and three-star offensive linemen Michael Ionata and Xavier Payne. With Cadeau’s addition, Florida State now holds ten verbal commitments within its 2026 class, propelling them from the 28th to the 24th ranking nationally. The Seminoles are actively pursuing additional talent along the defensive line, alongside other key positions, indicating a comprehensive approach to building a competitive roster. Florida State’s strategic recruitment efforts and commitment to developing top talent positions them for continued success in the ACC and beyond.

For comprehensive coverage of Florida State football, including recruiting updates, game analysis, and team news, follow NoleGameday on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Stay informed about the latest Florida State football developments and join the #Tribe26 community. Additional Florida State news includes offers to the son of an NFL legend and Heisman Trophy winner, as well as Florida State’s position among the top programs in the ACC for the 2025 offseason. Understanding Florida State’s biggest rival is also key, as the team has ranked its competition. Finally, keep an eye on the kickoff times set for four key 2025 Florida State football games.