Florida State QB Backs Up His Comments on Alabama at ACC Media Days

On Wednesday at ACC Media Days, Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos doubled down on his comment earlier in the summer that Alabama does "not have Nick Saban to save them" and that he "doesn't see (Alabama) stopping me" in the Seminoles' season opener against the Crimson Tide on August 30th in Tallahassee.

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Castellanos took the podium in Charlotte, North Carolina, at ACC Media Days, where he said, “I stand on what I said.” Castello corrected himself and added, “Well, we stand on what I said. I said what I said, we stand on that.” He said, “I don’t mean any disrespect to any of those guys on Alabama or anything like that. I have confidence in my guys, the work we’ve put in to be prepared, and the preparation we’ve been putting together. That’s all that was. No disrespect to those guys, but we stand on what I said.” According to 247Noles.com

The transfer quarterback from Boston College discussed how his comments resonated with his teammates, who have shown nothing but support.

The next day, I walked in and said, 'Hey, we're right behind you. We like it, we love it.' Just being able to hear that from them, to spark that type of confidence and camaraderie, it's exciting…anything I can do to get my guys prepared and to go to battle, I'll do whatever it takes,"

Castellanos appeared cool, calm, and collected when he discussed the comments regarding the pressure to succeed in the Seminoles' season opener against the Tide. When asked about it, Castello responded, “Oh no, I've been playing football my whole life.” The Seminoles' senior quarterback added, “It’s a game; there are going to be a lot more people watching, but I’m excited for the opportunity. These are the games I’ve dreamed of as a kid.”

Alabama players responded to Castello’s comments at SEC Media Days, with the Crimson Tide’s senior linebacker stating to SEC Network in Atlanta last Wednesday, "It ignites us a little bit. We can’t focus on that too much." Lawson added, “I think all disrespect will be addressed accordingly.” When defensive tackle Tim Keenan III was asked about the comment, he responded, “Disrespect will be addressed.”

Castellanos is entering his senior season with Florida State. He began his career at the UCF, where he played for one season before transferring to Boston College, where he spent two years. During his time at Boston College, he started 20 games and accumulated 3,614 passing yards, throwing 33 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Additionally, Castellanos proved to be a formidable threat on the ground, rushing for over 1,307 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Golden Eagles.

Florida State is definitely in the spotlight after Castellanos' bold comments at ACC Media Days. The Seminoles had a tough season in 2024, finishing with a disappointing 2-10 record. Despite this, Florida State’s head coach, Mike Norvell, appreciates the energy and confidence that his new quarterback brings. Norvell emphasizes the importance of his players upholding a standard of playing with an edge.

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