Florida State transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos fired shots at Alabama ahead of their August 30 season opener, claiming the Crimson Tide “don’t have Nick Saban to save them” anymore.
The former Boston College star didn’t hold back in a summer interview with On3.
“I’m excited, man. People, I don’t know if they know, but you go back and watch every first game that I played in, we always start fast. I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.”
That’s bold talk from a quarterback trying to help Florida State bounce back from a brutal 2-10 season.
The Seminoles replaced most of their production from a team that went 13-1 just two seasons ago. Finding a quarterback was priority number one.
Castellanos brings credentials. He threw for 1,366 yards and 18 touchdowns with just five interceptions last season at Boston College, though injuries limited his playing time.
His 2023 numbers were impressive across the board.
Castellanos threw for 2,248 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 1,113 rushing yards and 13 rushing scores. Those dual-threat numbers made him one of college football’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
If he stays healthy and reaches that level in Tallahassee, Florida State should improve significantly.
But talking about stopping Alabama is different than beating teams in the ACC.
Alabama ended a 16-year streak of double-digit win seasons last year, finishing 9-4 under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide still recruited at an elite level and return plenty of talent.
Vegas sees things differently than Castellanos does.
Alabama’s season win total sits at 9.5 games. Florida State’s is set at 7.5.
Castellanos will need to play at an elite level to back up his words about DeBoer’s program. He’s got the talent to do it, but coach Mike Norvell might prefer his quarterback focus on preparation instead of predictions.
