Florida State men's golf head coach Trey Jones isn't holding back his excitement after securing what could be one of the most talented recruiting classes in college golf history. The Seminoles officially welcomed four signees Wednesday, headlined by No. 1 junior golfer Miles Russell and Charlie Woods, the son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods.
Speaking with Golf Channel's Brentley Romine, Jones offered considerable praise for both prospects, including a remarkable comparison involving Russell.
"In my opinion, he's the best junior golfer since Tiger Woods," Jones said.
That's an extraordinary endorsement from a coach who has spent more than two decades building Florida State into one of the nation's premier golf programs.
While Russell enters
Tallahassee as the nation's top-ranked junior, Jones expressed similar enthusiasm about Woods, particularly his natural ability and technical development.
"He might have the best balance and rhythm of any player I've coached," Jones told Golf Channel.
Jones also praised Woods' effortless swing mechanics, impressive clubhead speed and unusual ability to control the speed and trajectory of his wedge shots, skills he considers difficult to teach at such a young age.
Woods, ranked No. 41 nationally in Golf Channel's Class of 2027 rankings, has steadily developed his own reputation as a promising amateur golfer. He captured the 2025 AJGA Team TaylorMade Invitational and recently finished tied for eighth at the Junior Players Championship.
Beyond their individual accomplishments, Russell and Woods already share a close friendship and competitive relationship, which could provide an additional advantage when they arrive on campus.
Swedish standout Edwin Askerfors and Orlando native Kaden Puranik complete the four-player recruiting class, which Golf Channel ranks No. 1 nationally for 2027.
For Jones, the additions represent another major step toward Florida State's pursuit of its first NCAA men's golf national championship.
The Seminoles came agonizingly close in 2024, finishing national runners-up to Auburn. With Russell, Woods, and two additional highly regarded prospects set to arrive in 2027, Jones has positioned Florida State to remain among college golf's most intriguing programs for years to come.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU golf coach makes bold claim about Charlie Woods, Miles Russell
