Florida State Seminoles Land No. 1 Power Forward in Blockbuster Commitment — Dominant Georgia State Star Cites Two Key Reasons for Choosing the Seminoles..

In a monumental win for Florida State basketball, Cesare Edwards, the explosive forward who starred at Georgia State, has officially committed to the Florida State Seminoles. The announcement marks one of the biggest transfers of the 2025 college basketball offseason, as Edwards — regarded as the No. 1 power forward in the transfer portal — brings size, versatility, and elite production to a Seminoles roster looking to reclaim its spot among the ACC’s elite.

The 6-foot-9 senior became a force in the Sun Belt Conference, where he averaged 16.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and shot nearly 60% from the field during the 2024–25 season. His combination of strength in the paint, smooth footwork, and ability to stretch the floor made him one of the most dominant frontcourt players in mid-major basketball. Now, he’s ready to make that impact on one of college basketball’s biggest stages.

“This decision was about competing at the highest level and surrounding myself with a championship culture,” Edwards said in his commitment video. “Florida State showed me that they believe in my game, and they believe I can be the piece that helps them get back to the top of the ACC.”

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🔹 A Game-Changing Pickup for Florida State

Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton and his staff have been aggressive in the transfer market, but landing Edwards is a move that could define their 2025–26 season. The Seminoles struggled with frontcourt consistency last year, often relying on undersized forwards to carry the load. Edwards immediately solves that issue.

Standing at 6’9” with a 7’1” wingspan, Edwards brings the kind of physical presence that Hamilton’s system thrives on. His ability to protect the rim, rebound at a high level, and step out to hit mid-range jumpers fits perfectly into Florida State’s up-tempo, switch-heavy style.

“Cesare has the total package,” Hamilton said following the announcement. “He’s got the power to dominate in the paint and the finesse to play on the perimeter. He’s a competitor, and most importantly, he’s a winner. That’s exactly the kind of player we want at Florida State.”

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🔹 Two Reasons Behind His Commitment

When asked about his decision to leave Georgia State and join Florida State, Edwards pointed to two main reasons: player development and competitive opportunity.

“The first reason is development,” he said. “I wanted to go to a place that could help me take my game to the next level. Coach Hamilton and his staff have a proven record of developing big men for the pros — guys like Jonathan Isaac, Patrick Williams, and Scottie Barnes. They know how to get you NBA-ready.”

His second reason centered on the chance to compete against the best talent in the country.

“The second reason is competition,” Edwards continued. “I’ve done everything I can at Georgia State — now it’s time to test myself in the ACC. Florida State plays against the best, and I want that challenge every night. I want to earn my spot and prove I belong on that level.”

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🔹 From Georgia State Star to ACC Power

At Georgia State, Edwards built a reputation as one of the most efficient big men in the country. He led the team in both scoring and rebounding, earning First Team All-Sun Belt honors and multiple Player of the Week awards. His 29-point, 11-rebound performance on 12-of-13 shooting in February 2025 remains one of the most dominant individual showings of the season.

Beyond the stats, Edwards brought leadership and energy that elevated his entire team. Teammates and coaches consistently praised his work ethic and maturity — qualities that made him one of the most sought-after transfers in college basketball.

Now, at Florida State, he’ll bring that same drive to a program hungry for resurgence.

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🔹 A New Era for the Seminoles

The addition of Edwards could transform Florida State into one of the most balanced teams in the ACC. Paired with returning guards Baba Miller and Jamir Watkins, the Seminoles now have a frontcourt presence that can score inside and anchor the defense. Edwards’ ability to run the floor and finish in transition will also complement Florida State’s trademark fast-paced attack.

Analysts are already calling this one of the biggest offseason wins for Leonard Hamilton in years. ESPN’s Jeff Borzello described Edwards as a “perfect fit” for the Seminoles’ system:

> “Edwards gives Florida State exactly what they’ve been missing — a consistent scorer and defender in the paint who can stretch defenses. This move instantly puts the Seminoles back in the ACC tournament conversation.”

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🔹 Fan and Program Reaction

Florida State fans flooded social media with excitement following the announcement, with many praising Hamilton’s recruiting strategy and the program’s renewed energy. Hashtags like #NoleUp and #WelcomeCesare began trending across X (formerly Twitter), as fans expressed confidence that Edwards could help restore the team’s winning identity.

One fan wrote, “This is the kind of player that makes FSU dangerous again. Edwards is built for ACC basketball!”

Meanwhile, at Georgia State, coaches and fans expressed nothing but support for their departing star. Head coach Jonas Hayes called Edwards “a class act and a true competitor” and said he expects him to thrive at Florida State.

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🔹 Looking Ahead

With Edwards officially committed, the Florida State Seminoles are shaping up to be a serious contender heading into the 2025–26 season. His presence will not only strengthen the frontcourt but also provide the team with veteran leadership and playoff-level experience.

“I’m ready to work,” Edwards said. “Florida State is a program that expects greatness — and I’m here to help deliver that.”

If his past performance is any indication, Cesare Edwards could very well be the spark that reignites the Seminoles’ run toward ACC dominance and a deep March Madness push.

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By Saaor Emmanuel | College Hoops Insider News