Nearly a decade has passed since Jameis Winston, the former Florida State National Champion and Heisman winner, led the Seminoles to the inaugural College Football Playoff. Back then, FSU was riding high with a 29-game winning streak, only to be stopped by Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
Fast forward nine years, and the Seminoles find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture despite ending the 2023 season as an undefeated Power Five conference champion with a remarkable 19-game winning streak, the second-longest in the program’s history. This snub has left many in disbelief, considering how the team rallied after losing their star quarterback to a season-ending injury, securing impressive victories against Florida and Louisville.
Numerous former players and figures in the sport have expressed their thoughts on this situation. Winston, who was personally affected by the College Football Playoff Committee’s decision, congratulated the Seminoles for clinching another ACC Championship.
“My initial reaction, I was hurt. Especially with the defensive performance that we put on. The amazing job by our head coach Mike Norvell for finding a way to will a championship with his third-string quarterback,” Winston said. “I think it’s way bigger than what we can see from the naked eye. However, Florida State, you continue to have an incredible season, you continue to persevere regardless of the naysayers, regardless of who tries to limit you from your destiny. Which, they’re not finished, we’ve still got to go and finish strong.”
“I just commend Mike Norvell and that team for rallying behind Jordan and playing great football. Going into the swamp, playing against a tough team. Anytime you’re in a rivalry game, it’s going to be a tough game,” Winston continued. “You saw that with Alabama and Auburn – I think Alabama’s a team they put in front of us. And finishing strong, when you’re a champion, it feels good. I’m just proud of those guys, proud of our head coach for bringing another [conference] championship to Florida State.”
Former #FSU QB Jameis Winston not happy about the Seminoles being left out of the CFB Playoff.
“My initial reaction I was hurt. Especially with the defensive performance that we put on. The amazing job by our head coach Mike Norvell for finding a way to will a championship with… pic.twitter.com/4fvQycVSZZ
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) December 5, 2023
Winston played a pivotal role in Florida State’s sole playoff appearance in 2014, leading the team to a 14-0 record before falling short against Oregon. During that season, Winston completed 65.3% of his passes for 3,907 yards, throwing 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions while adding three rushing touchdowns. He orchestrated four game-winning touchdown drives, maintaining the undefeated streak for nearly 30 consecutive games.
Even after leaving Tallahassee, Winston continues to be an ambassador for the Seminoles, and his jersey was retired by Florida State earlier this season.