News Summary
Florida State University’s football program has strengthened its roster by securing commitments from four-star wide receiver Brandon Bennett and defensive lineman Wihtlley Cadeau for the upcoming recruiting class. Bennett, known for his impressive athleticism and speed, averaged 21.2 yards per catch last season, while Cadeau brings significant size to the defensive line. These additions are critical as the Seminoles aim to build a competitive team for the future, despite challenges in securing a top quarterback.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida State University’s football program has successfully secured commitments from two promising athletes for the 2026 recruiting class in just five days, bolstering their roster for the future. Four-star wide receiver Brandon Bennett announced his commitment on Thursday, joining defensive lineman Wihtlley Cadeau, who also committed to the Seminoles. This development comes amid Florida State’s ongoing efforts to bolster their recruiting class and address key positions.
Bennett brings impressive credentials to the Seminoles, having showcased remarkable speed as a track athlete. He has qualified for the state meet in the 100-meter dash on three occasions, highlighting his athletic capabilities. On the football field, Bennett averaged an impressive 21.2 yards per catch last season, making him a prime fit for head coach Gus Malzahn’s speed-centric offense. His performance includes a total of 45 catches for 988 yards and 12 touchdowns during the previous season.
Ranked as the No. 218 overall player and No. 33 wide receiver in the 247Sports composite rankings, Bennett also stands at No. 34 among players from Florida. Despite the Seminoles currently holding 11 total commitments, they rank 30th in the overall national standings, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
While FSU is making strides with their commitments, challenges remain in securing a top quarterback for the recruiting class. The team faced difficulties after parting ways with four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel in June, prompting concerns about filling the quarterback position. Prospective recruit Landon Duckworth has recently narrowed his choices to Auburn and South Carolina, having canceled his visit to Florida State. Duckworth, who had a strong junior season leading Jackson High School to a 14-1 record and a state championship, displayed remarkable skills by completing 162 out of 243 passes for 3,439 yards and 39 touchdowns, while also rushing for 648 yards and 12 touchdowns.
According to 247Sports, Duckworth is regarded as the No. 50 overall prospect, No. 6 quarterback, and No. 3 recruit from Alabama. With his recent commitment decisions, only one competitive option remains for FSU: four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal, who is currently committed to Oklahoma.
In addition to Bennett, the Seminoles welcome defensive lineman Wihtlley Cadeau to their 2026 roster. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 290 pounds, Cadeau brings significant size and strength to the defensive line. He is rated as the 473rd best player nationwide by the 247 Composite and recognized as the 55th best defensive lineman. In his junior season, Cadeau recorded 39 tackles, including five for loss and one sack, demonstrating his ability to contribute defensively despite frequently being double-teamed by opponents.
Cadeau’s decision to join the Seminoles was marked by several competitive offers from prominent programs, including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. His commitment further strengthens Florida State’s attempts to build a solid foundation for their future while navigating the challenges presented by their past recruiting efforts. Currently, the 2026 recruiting class is ranked as the 35th class in the country with the addition of ten verbal commitments.
As Florida State University continues to develop its football program, the recent commitments from Bennett and Cadeau are crucial steps in building a competitive team for future seasons.
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Additional Resources
- Athlon Sports: FSU Talent Recruiting Question
- Sports Illustrated: Florida State Lands Four-Star Wideout
- On3: FSU Top Recruits Official Visit Weekend
- Tallahassee Democrat: FSU Football Recruiting 2026 Top 100
- USA Today: FSU Football Recruiting Rankings
- Wikipedia: Florida State Seminoles Football
- Google Search: Florida State Seminoles Football Recruiting
