Winston, the winner of the 2013 Heisman Trophy, had two years of eligibility remaining at Florida State. He is projected by most draft analysts to be either the first or second quarterback chosen — the other being this season’s Heisman winner, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota — and he could be picked No. 1 or No. 2 over all.

“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 through his representative, the Legacy Agency. “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.”

Winston had a stellar two-year career for the Seminoles. He won the Heisman as a redshirt freshman, becoming the youngest player to do so, and led Florida State to an undefeated season and the Football Bowl Subdivision title. He was 26-1 as the team’s starting quarterback, his only loss coming last week in a College Football Playoff semifinal, a 59-20 trouncing by Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

Winston slumped somewhat this season, throwing for 3,907 yards and 25 touchdowns, with 18 interceptions, but his draft status is not expected to be affected much. Gil Brandt, a vice president for player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1988, who is now an analyst for NFL.com and Sirius XM radio, said he thought Winston had “a very bright football mind” and would be the first or second player drafted.

“F.S.U. coaches have been friends of mine for a long time,” Brandt said. “I think they feel that he is a good person but lacks maturity. I know personally that the head coach, who I have a great deal of faith in, thinks he’s a great person.”