Jameis Winston leaving FSU early for NFL Draft

2013 Heisman Trophy winner to forgo final 2 seasons of eligibility

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Jameis Winston won't be returning to Florida State next season.

One day after ESPN reported that Winston would make a decision about his future after the national championship game, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said Wednesday the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner will declare for the NFL Draft.

WATCH: Will Manso & Clay Ferraro discuss Winston's NFL future

Winston led the Seminoles to a national championship last season and was 26-1 as Florida State's starting quarterback.

The controversial FSU star will leave school with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

His final game was a 49-20 loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl that ended Florida State's nation-best 29-game winning streak dating to the 2012 season.

Winston threw for 7,964 yards and 65 touchdowns while rushing for seven touchdowns in his tumultuous two-year career with the Seminoles. He became the youngest player to ever win the Heisman Trophy and leaves FSU with the second-most passing touchdowns in team history.

"I would like to wish Jameis nothing but success at the next level as I think he'll be extremely successful," Fisher said in a statement. "It was a blessing to be able to coach him. He's one of the unique players that I've ever had the privilege to coach. He embodies what you as a coach want as a person, a student and a player. He's a genuine and honest guy. He's one of the greatest players in Florida State history."

After the Rose Bowl, the 21-year-old Alabama native said he was looking forward to playing baseball for the Seminoles this season. He is also a star on the baseball diamond, where he is an outfielder and relief pitcher.

"I reached this very difficult decision after careful consideration and long thought, realizing how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my family at Florida State," Winston said in a statement released by the Legacy Agency on his behalf. "I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to wear the garnet and gold and have greatly enjoyed my time as a Seminole, both as an athlete and a student in the classroom. I will always take pride in leading our team back to national prominence and am confident that my returning teammates will continue the success for many years to come."

READ: Winston releases statement

Winston's time in Tallahassee might best be remembered by those outside the FSU fan base for a series of incidents that tarnished his reputation, most notably a 2012 sexual assault allegation.

In December 2013, as the Seminoles were poised to play for the national championship, Tallahassee state attorney Willie Meggs said his office would not prosecute Winston, citing a lack of evidence.

A year later, Winston was cleared of violating the student conduct code after a school hearing presided by former Florida Supreme Court justice Major Harding.

In April 2014, Winston was issued a shoplifting citation after he walked out of a Publix without paying for crab legs. He was ordered to undergo 20 hours of community service and suspended from the baseball team for three games.

Winston's most recent incident led to his suspension for the Clemson game in September after he stood up on a table and yelled an obscene comment in the student union. He was initially suspended for the first half, but the school announced on the eve of the game that he would not play.

Sean Maguire, who is the heir apparent to replace Winston, started in Winston's place and led the Seminoles to a victory.

In his statement, Winston thanked the fans, his teammates and the FSU coaching staff.

"As I embark in the next challenge of playing in the NFL, I look forward to contributing to a long line of successful alumni at the next level," Winston said. "I want you all to know that I will make Seminole Nation proud and continue to bring the passion and love for the game you all have seen in Doak Campbell (Stadium) since my first day as a 'Nole. Thank you for making my time in Tallahassee the best years of my life."