Jonah Winston, the younger brother of former Florida State quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, has committed to the Seminoles, reigniting the family’s connection to the program. The three-star wide receiver from Hoover High School in Alabama announced his decision on social media immediately following FSU’s season-opening 31-17 victory over No. 8 Alabama on August 30, a game he witnessed from the stands.
Winston, who is rated as an 89-grade prospect by 247Sports and ranks as the No. 47 wide receiver nationally in the 2026 class, stands at 5-foot-9 and weighs 155 pounds. He is projected to play primarily in the slot position at the college level. His commitment came after evaluating offers from several prestigious programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, Colorado, Ole Miss, Maryland, and Texas A&M, with Arkansas and Maryland emerging as his other top choices.
In his junior season, Winston demonstrated impressive versatility by accumulating nearly 800 yards of total offense, which included five rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns. This multifaceted skill set makes him a valuable asset. His senior year started strong with a performance against IMG Academy, where he caught seven passes for 79 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to compete against high-level opposition.
With Winston’s pledge, Florida State’s 2026 recruiting class now numbers 23 commits, including six wide receivers. This group is bolstered by several four-star recruits, indicating a robust and talented incoming class for head coach Mike Norvell’s squad.
The recruitment process was led by assistant wide receivers coach Austin Tucker, with significant involvement from associate head coach Odell Haggins. Haggins, who has deep ties to the Winston family from Jameis’ time at FSU, played a crucial role in fostering a familiar and supportive environment for Jonah.
The commitment was met with widespread enthusiasm, notably from Jameis Winston, who expressed his excitement on social media with a tweet that read, “WHAT A DAY FOR @FSUFootball.” This public endorsement highlights the familial pride and the symbolic return of a legacy name to the program.
Winston’s addition is expected to enhance FSU’s offensive options, providing depth and flexibility in the receiving corps. His legacy status may also positively impact future recruiting efforts, drawing attention to FSU’s revitalized program under Norvell.
As he prepares to join the Seminoles, Winston will look to develop his skills further and contribute to the team’s success, potentially echoing the achievements of his brother and helping FSU compete for championships in the coming years.