Jonah Winston, Brother of Heisman Winner, Commits to Florida State

Jonah Winston, Brother of Heisman Winner, Commits to Florida State

In a move that has set the college football community abuzz, Jonah Winston, the younger brother of former Florida State star Jameis Winston, has officially committed to the Seminoles. This announcement came on August 31, 2025, right on the heels of Florida State’s impressive 31-17 upset victory over No. 8 Alabama. Jonah, a rising talent in the class of 2026, stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 160 pounds. He is considered a three-star recruit, and his commitment marks a significant addition to Florida State’s recruiting efforts this season, as reported by ESPN.

Jonah has been making his mark at Hoover High School in Alabama, where he plays multiple roles including quarterback and wide receiver. Over his junior season, he caught 38 passes for 542 yards and scored eight touchdowns, showcasing his versatility on the field. In his senior year, he continued to impress with 13 receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns, and he has contributed defensively as well. This kind of performance has drawn attention from other schools, but ultimately, he chose to follow in his brother’s footsteps, electing Florida State over offers from schools like Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi State, and Colorado. Coach Mike Norvell commented on the importance of family ties in recruiting, noting that the connection to Jameis undoubtedly played a role in Jonah’s decision, as Sports Illustrated illustrates.

Florida State’s Growing Recruiting Class

With Jonah’s commitment, Florida State has secured its 22nd player for the 2026 recruiting class, which is now ranked No. 13 overall by ESPN. This talented group includes key players like defenders Izayia Williams, ranked No. 39, and Chauncey Kennon, No. 48, alongside notable offensive weapons like tight end Xavier Tiller and wide receivers Devin Carter and Brandon Bennett. Jonah becomes the sixth wide receiver in this promising class, further boosting the Seminoles‘ offensive prospects as they build their future, as highlighted by CBS Sports.

Florida State, having endured a rough 2-10 season in 2024, kicked off its 2025 campaign with a victory that not only instills hope in its fanbase but also showcases the program’s ability to recruit top talent. Jonah Winston’s commitment is a testament to the school’s renewed momentum and the strong legacy left by his brother Jameis, who led Florida State to a national championship in 2013 and won the Heisman Trophy during his tenure. Jameis is now eyeing his 11th season in the NFL with the New York Giants, which only adds to the family’s football legacy.

As FSU prepares to host East Texas A&M in Week 2 and subsequently has a bye in Week 3, fans and alumni alike are sure to keep a close eye on Jonah’s development and the impact he will bring to the Seminoles. With promising players joining the ranks, Florida State is solidifying its future on the gridiron and reigniting the flames of competitiveness that once made it a powerhouse.