AJGA Photo
The No. 1 junior golfer in the country is heading to Tallahassee.
Miles Russell, a 16-year-old lefty from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, announced his verbal commitment to play college golf at Florida State University on Monday evening. Already one of the most accomplished junior players in recent memory, Russell shared the news on Instagram, writing:
“Beyond excited to announce my commitment to Florida State University! I’m incredibly grateful to my family for their endless support, my friends, coach Ramon Descansa for everything he’s done to help me along the way, and coach Jones for this amazing opportunity. Can’t wait to get to Tallahassee — Go Noles!”
The announcement sparked an outpouring of support from across the golf world. Luke Clanton, a recent FSU standout and former No. 1 amateur in the world, commented: “Go Noles baby.” Will Zalatoris, a PGA Tour winner and Wake Forest alum, a rival ACC school, added: “I hate the conference you're in, but you're in a great spot. Best of luck, congrats brotha!”
Russell is the top-ranked junior in the AJGA and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings for both the Class of 2027 and overall, and he currently sits No. 16 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. His résumé features victories at the Junior PGA Championship, Junior Players, Sage Valley Invitational, and AJGA Tournament of Champions, as well as team appearances in the Junior Ryder Cup, Junior Presidents Cup, and with the USA National Junior Team.
In 2023, Russell became the youngest winner of the AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year, breaking Tiger Woods’ record. A second award this year would place him alongside Woods and Phil Mickelson as rare multiple-time recipients.
Though he’s still two years away from college, Russell has already stacked up elite finishes in major amateur and even pro events:
2025Runner-up – Northeast Amateur Invitational
Winner – Junior Invitational at Sage Valley
Winner – AJGA Simplify Boys Championship at Carlton Woods
T-3 – Jones Cup Invitational
4th – Terra Cotta Invitational
70th – LECOM Suncoast Classic (Korn Ferry Tour)
2024Winner – South Beach International Amateur
6th – Junior Invitational at Sage Valley
20th – LECOM Suncoast Classic (Korn Ferry Tour)
Team Member – Junior Presidents Cup (USA)
Quarterfinalist – U.S. Junior Amateur
17th – Western Amateur
2023Winner – Junior PLAYERS Championship
Winner – Boy’s Junior PGA Championship
Runner-up – South Beach International Amateur
Team Member – Junior Ryder Cup (USA)
Russell made history at that Korn Ferry event, becoming the youngest player to post a top-25 finish on either the PGA or Korn Ferry Tour since at least 1983.
With rumors swirling that Russell might skip college altogether, his commitment to Florida State sends a clear message: top-tier college programs remain a viable path for elite junior talent. FSU head coach Trey Jones has built the Seminoles into a national contender, most recently finishing just outside match play at the 2025 NCAA Championship and developing Luke Clanton into a PGA Tour-ready player.
Russell’s decision also comes with modern advantages: he already holds NIL deals with TaylorMade and Nike, and under the NCAA’s new revenue-sharing model, he’ll be eligible for direct institutional compensation.
As one of the most polished junior golfers in years, Russell will continue to compete on the national stage before arriving in Tallahassee. When he does, the Seminoles won’t just be adding a top recruit, they’ll be adding a player ready to shape the future of college golf.