Sep 3, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell is excited during the fourth quarter against the Louisiana State Tigers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Florida State football adds high-upside DL recruit Wihtlley Cadeau to #Tribe26 class

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Florida State has secured its first commitment during a crucial month of June. Over the last two weekends, the Seminoles have hosted two dozen recruits for official visits and there have been some positive early returns.

On Sunday, three-star defensive lineman Wihtlley Cadeau committed to FSU while wrapping up his trip to Tallahassee. Cadeau chose the Seminoles over Purdue and Georgia State. He also held offers from programs such as Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Georgia Tech, among others.

A fast-rising prospect throughout the year, Florida State recently joined Cadeau's recruitment when defensive line coach Terrance Knighton offered him a scholarship last month. Now, Cadeau is Knighton's first feather in the cap in #Tribe26.

Cadeau is coming off a junior season where he totaled 39 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack. He recorded a season-high eight tackles in a 35-10 loss to New Manchester High School on August 15. Cadeau posted three tackles for loss against South Atlanta High School and added two tackles for loss against KIPP Atlanta Collegiate.

The Georgia native is just scratching the surface of his abilities and he's got a ways to go in his development. With that being said, Cadeau's athleticism and ability to move raises his ceiling if he can put it all together at Florida State under Knighton's tutelage.

The 6-foot-5, 295-pound defensive lineman is regarded as the No. 473 overall prospect, the No. 55 DL, and the No. 56 recruit in Georgia according to the 247Sports composite ratings.

With the addition of Cadeau, Florida State holds ten verbal commitments in its 2026 class. The Seminoles move from No. 28 to No. 24 in the country in the rankings.

FSU is still searching for other options along the defensive interior with prospects such as four-star Kendall Guervil, four-star Deuce Geralds, four-star James Johnson, three-star Cameron Brickle, and three-star Tico Crittendon on the shortlist.