Marcis Ponder, a four-star center in the 2026 class, has committed to Florida State, reported by Rivals on Tuesday evening.
The 7-foot-0, 328 pound big man who has drawn comparisons to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, selected the Florida State Seminoles over the Indiana Hoosiers. Just two weeks ago, Ponder announced his top seven – a list that included Indiana, Illinois, Providence, Texas, Cincinnati and Miami (FL).
NEWS: 4⭐️ Marcis Ponder, a 7-foot center in the 2026 class, has committed to Florida State, he tells @Rivals.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) July 29, 2025
Ponder is a top-75 overall recruit. Received offers from Miami, Illinois, Providence, and others. https://t.co/6iaL9nwEPQ pic.twitter.com/6WkoeDJ7M2
Ponder also held offers from Alabama, Auburn, Kansas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Arizona, Arizona State, Georgetown, Michigan State, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Rutgers, Providence, UCF, Ohio State, Murray State, Mississippi State and many more.
"Marcis was like coach I went through this whole summer and spring and Florida State was at all of my games," Ponder's coach Kenny Gillion told 247Sports. "That was his biggest thing. In the age of NIL and transfers get to a place who wants you to most.
Ponder, a native of Miami, Florida, is ranked as the No. 69 overall player in the nation, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He’s also the No. 6 ranked center.
Ponder is ranked as the 13th best player in the State of Virginia, the ninth best center prospect nationally and the No. 65 overall player in the country per 247Sports.
MaxPreps lists him as averaging 9.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game this past season in 32 appearances for West Oaks Academy in Florida. In 2025, Ponder will be playing his basketball at t Gillion Basketball Academy in Virginia.
Indiana currently has one player committed in the class of 2026.Prince-Alexander Moody committed to the Hoosiers in June.