In a stunning transfer that has shocked the college basketball landscape, Jason Edwards, Vanderbilt’s leading scorer and third-team All-SEC guard, has committed to Providence College. The April 4 announcement marks a major victory for second-year head coach Kim English as he aggressively rebuilds through the transfer portal.
Edwards, who averaged 17 points per game while shooting an impressive 44% from the field for the Commodores, brings elite scoring credentials to a Providence program coming off a disappointing 11-21 season. The 6’1″ junior’s decision has sparked both excitement in Rhode Island and confusion among analysts questioning his move to a struggling Big East team.
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Edwards’ journey to Providence has been anything but conventional. After beginning at Daytona State Junior College, where he averaged 23.8 points per game, he thrived at North Texas (19.1 PPG) before becoming one of the SEC’s most reliable scorers at Vanderbilt during the 2024-25 campaign.
NEWS: Vanderbilt transfer guard Jason Edwards, one of the top scorers in the SEC, has committed to Providence, his agency @WEAVE tells @On3sports.
The 6-1 junior averaged 17.0 PPG this season. https://t.co/213Dg9Tnf4 pic.twitter.com/CwsKuQAEBG
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 4, 2025
His efficient shooting—36.8% from three-point range and 88.2% from the free-throw line—and ability to create his own shots made him a standout, culminating in a season-high 30 points performance against TCU. Edwards’ scoring versatility addresses Providence’s most pressing need after losing six players to the transfer portal.
While Edwards hasn’t made a public statement about his decision, his previous comments indicate his competitive mindset. In a March interview with The Tennessean, Edwards said, “I enjoy proving people wrong. I enjoy beating the odds. I enjoy being doubted.”
This sentiment aligns perfectly with joining a rebuilding Providence program.
Coach English, who told the Providence Journal in 2024 that “We think we can get any player we want,” has shown his recruiting prowess with this acquisition. Though he hasn’t commented specifically on Edwards yet his philosophy of building cohesive teams suggests Edwards fits his vision for the program’s future.
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The transfer represents a cornerstone acquisition for Coach English, who faces the challenge of replacing key contributors, including Jayden Pierre and Bensley Joseph. Edwards’ decision to choose Providence over potentially higher-profile suitors has generated speculation about NIL opportunities influencing his choice.
Providence’s “Friar Family Collective” NIL program appears to have played a significant role. While specific figures aren’t public, industry estimates suggest a player of Edwards’ caliber could command between $50,000 and $150,000 annually in NIL deals.
English has previously noted that Providence’s “pool of money is competitive,e” suggesting they made a compelling offer to secure Edwards’ commitment.
In English’s guard-centric offensive system, Edwards’s skill set fits perfectly. His three-point shooting and ability to score off the dribble align with Providence’s preferred style of play.
He could form a potent backcourt with Rich Barron, a 6’5″ sophomore wing who shot 44.2% from three in limited minutes last season, and Corey Floyd Jr., whose defensive tenacity would complement Edwards’ offensive firepower.
College basketball analysts have hailed the move as transformative. Social media posts called it “a statement signing for Kim English” and noted that “17 PPG in the SEC doesn’t just walk through the door.”
Providence fans have erupted with excitement online with comments like “BE is back” and “Kim English cooking!” reflecting renewed optimism about the program’s direction.
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Meanwhile, Vanderbilt faces the challenge of replacing their leading scorer. Coach Mark Byington, who recently emphasized the importance of “bringing back a core group” after their NCAA Tournament loss to Saint Mary’s, must now find new offensive options beyond possible returners Tyler Nickel and Devin McGlockton.
Edwards entered the NBA Draft process on March 28, 2025, alongside his transfer portal move, giving him until May 29 to make a final decision about his professional future. His quick commitment to Providence suggests he’s leaning toward another college season unless an NBA team offers guarantees during the pre-draft process.
With two years of eligibility remaining Edwards joins a program with a passionate fanbase and a history of success despite recent struggles. His scoring prowess could be transformative for a team that finished near the bottom of the Big East (4-16 in conference play) especially if paired effectively with English’s any other transfer targets.
The addition signals Providence’s intent to quickly return to relevance in a conference featuring powerhouses like UConn and Creighton. As Edwards weighs his NBA future by May, his presence could attract more talent to Friartown, setting the stage for a Big East resurgence under English’s leadership.
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