Jameis Winston’s brother Jonah shocks Alabama crowd with FSU commitment

Rodney Knuppel

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Jameis Winston’s brother Jonah shocks Alabama crowd with FSU commitment image

Florida State fans had plenty to celebrate after Saturday’s 31-17 win over Alabama, but the night got even sweeter when a familiar last name popped up on the recruiting trail. Jonah Winston, the younger brother of Heisman winner Jameis Winston, announced his commitment to the Seminoles shortly after the game, giving Mike Norvell’s program a big momentum boost.

Seminoles add a familiar name to 2026 recruiting class

Jonah, a 5-foot-10 athlete out of Hoover High School in Birmingham, Alabama, is listed as a three-star prospect in the class of 2026. While he has lined up at both quarterback and wide receiver, most recruiting analysts project him as a pass catcher at the next level. Last season, he hauled in 38 receptions for 542 yards and three touchdowns while also finding the end zone five times on the ground.

Carrying the Winston name

It’s impossible to separate Jonah’s commitment from the legacy of his older brother. Jameis Winston is one of the most famous names in Florida State history, having led the Seminoles to the 2013 national championship while winning the Heisman Trophy. He later became the top pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and is now entering his 11th professional season.

Jonah won’t face the same expectations right away, but the family connection adds intrigue. His decision to leave his home state and pick Florida State over staying in SEC country makes the story even bigger, especially coming on the same night FSU stunned No. 8 Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Where he fits in the 2026 class

Winston becomes the 22nd pledge in Florida State’s 2026 class, which already ranks 13th nationally in ESPN’s recruiting rankings. The group is headlined by defensive standouts Izayia Williams and Chauncey Kennon, both top-50 recruits. At receiver, Winston joins an impressive list of playmakers, including four-star tight end Xavier Tiller and wideouts Devin Carter and Brandon Bennett.

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For Norvell, it’s another statement that the program is moving past last year’s 2-10 disaster. Landing a Winston is not just about name recognition — it’s about reinforcing Florida State’s reputation as a destination for top-tier talent.

The Seminoles now turn their attention to Week 2, where they’ll host East Texas A&M before taking an early-season bye. But Saturday night already gave fans plenty of reasons to believe the program is regaining its swagger,  both on the field and on the recruiting trail.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.