Florida State’s new quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, has set social media ablaze after declaring that the Alabama Crimson Tide “won’t be able to stop me” and that “they don’t have Nick Saban to save them.” The Boston‑College transfer delivered the comments during an interview with On3 that was later highlighted by CBS Sports, instantly becoming viral bulletin‑board material for Alabama .
From 2–10 to talking big
- FSU’s 2024 record: 2‑10 — the program’s worst season since 1975.
- Castellanos’ résumé: 1,836 yd ♦ 14 TD ♦ 12 INT passing at BC last year, plus 194 yds rushing after injuries and a mid‑season benching.
- New hope: Coach Mike Norvell imported 16 scholarship transfers; Castellanos is expected to revive an offense that finished 101st nationally in scoring.
Yet confidence clearly isn’t lacking. In the On3 interview he said:
“I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of playing Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.”
Alabama’s perspective
Alabama, coming off a 9‑4 debut season under Kalen DeBoer, opens 2025 in Tallahassee on Aug. 30. The Tide still field a top‑10 defense anchored by preseason All‑America edge Qua Russell. While DeBoer declined direct comment, a staffer told local media the team had already “taken note” of Castellanos’ remarks.
Why the jab matters
| Angle | Impact |
|---|---|
| Locker‑room fuel | Tide players have a ready‑made “chip” for summer camp. |
| National eyes | The quote guarantees Game Day hype for an opener that pairs two of college football’s premier brands. |
| Castellanos’ pressure | A bold promise now demands a breakout performance; anything less invites ridicule. |
SEC analyst Paul Finebaum called it “the loudest preseason shot at Alabama since Joe Namath trash‑talked Georgia Tech in 1962.” (yellowhammernews.com)
Match‑up storylines to watch
- QB duel: Castellanos vs. Alabama sophomore Keelon Russell, last year’s SEC Freshman of the Year.
- Trenches: FSU rebuilt its O‑line through the portal; Alabama returns four starters from a unit that allowed just 17 sacks.
- New eras: It’s DeBoer’s second season post‑Saban and Norvell’s make‑or‑break campaign after last year’s collapse.
Outlook
Trash talk won’t change the Vegas line — Alabama opened as a 14‑point favorite — but it has electrified a Week‑1 clash that already promised fireworks. If Castellanos backs up his words, he’ll etch himself into Seminole lore. If not, Alabama fans may immortalize the quote right next to other famous Tide put‑downs.
Kick‑off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Expect plenty of replays of one sentence: “They don’t have Nick Saban to save them.”
