It feels like ages since the Florida State Seminoles celebrated their thrilling 34-31 victory over the Auburn Tigers to claim the BCS National Championship in 2013. While Miami fans might have to dig out the VHS tapes to relive their glory days, Seminoles supporters have more recent memories to cherish.
Back in 2012, former head coach Jimbo Fisher had assembled a talented squad, but a tough loss to North Carolina dashed their championship dreams. Fast forward to 2013, and the Seminoles were on a mission for redemption, led by redshirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston.
Winston, a highly sought-after five-star recruit, was a major win for Coach Fisher, snatched right from Alabama's backyard. Taking over from veteran EJ Manuel, a first-round draft pick, was no small task, but Winston was more than up to the challenge.
There were initial concerns about how the young quarterback would handle the pressure. Yet, Winston silenced the skeptics with a stellar debut against Pittsburgh, completing 25 of 27 passes for 356 yards and four touchdowns, adding a rushing touchdown for good measure. This performance set the stage for an unforgettable season, culminating in a Heisman Trophy win.
Winston's college career was nothing short of impressive, amassing 7,964 passing yards, 65 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions, along with 285 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
Recently, ESPN released a list ranking the best college football quarterbacks since 2000. Surprisingly, Winston found himself at No. 17, a position many fans believe undervalues his contributions. While Baker Mayfield topped the list, some argue Winston deserved a spot closer to the top ten.
Despite the rankings, Winston remains a beloved figure, with fans appreciating his insights on FOX Sports and anticipating a bright future in broadcasting once his NFL career concludes.