Jameis Winston Praises Florida State Women’s Soccer, Criticizes Football Program Amid Struggles
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Jameis Winston, the former Florida State University quarterback who led the Seminoles to a national championship in 2013, has publicly lauded the university’s women’s soccer team for its continued success while sharply criticizing the football program he once starred for amid its ongoing difficulties.
Winston, now a quarterback for the New York Giants, took to social media platform X to congratulate the Florida State women’s soccer team on securing its fifth NCAA championship, a remarkable achievement that adds to titles won in 2018, 2021, and 2023. “Thank you @FSUSoccer for you consistently being our best football team over the years!” Winston wrote, highlighting the soccer team’s dominance even as the football program has struggled.
The Seminoles football team, once a powerhouse during Winston’s tenure, has faced a challenging stretch in recent years. Since Winston’s departure after the 2014 season, when he declared for the NFL Draft as the No. 1 overall pick, Florida State has posted a 76-60 record over 11 seasons. Under head coach Mike Norvell, who was retained despite a 5-7 record this season, the team has managed only two winning seasons in six years. The Seminoles’ 2025 campaign began promisingly with an upset victory over Alabama and a 3-0 start but quickly unraveled with a four-game losing streak. Over the past two years, Florida State has struggled mightily on the road, failing to secure a single away win and compiling a 7-16 record overall.
Winston’s criticism comes at a sensitive time for the program. Florida State President Richard McCullough reaffirmed Norvell’s position shortly after the disappointing season, signaling the administration’s commitment to stability despite mounting pressure. The football team’s recent performance contrasts sharply with the women’s soccer squad, which has become a beacon of excellence for the university’s athletics department.
The women’s soccer team’s success is a testament to the program’s strong recruiting and coaching, consistently competing at the highest level of NCAA Division I soccer. Their fifth championship solidifies Florida State’s status as a national powerhouse in the sport, an accomplishment that has not gone unnoticed by alumni and fans alike.
Jameis Winston’s remarks underscore a broader conversation about the state of Florida State athletics. While the football program grapples with rebuilding and consistency, other sports like women’s soccer continue to elevate the university’s profile on the national stage. The contrast highlights the challenges facing college football programs striving to recapture past glory amid evolving competitive landscapes.
For more on college football coaching decisions and program evaluations, visit the NCAA official site. Details on Florida State’s athletic department and recent announcements can be found at the Florida State Seminoles official athletics site. The NCAA women’s soccer championships and historical data are available at the NCAA Women’s Soccer page. For insights into Winston’s NFL career and recent performances, see the NFL official player profile.
As Florida State’s football program looks to the future, voices like Winston’s serve as both a reminder of past triumphs and a call to action for renewed success. Meanwhile, the women’s soccer team’s championship run offers a bright spot and a model of sustained excellence within the university’s athletic community.
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