Florida State Quarterback Thomas Castellanos Boldly Says Alabama Can’t Stop Him Without Nick Saban In Fiery Summer On3 Interview

Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos has never been shy when it comes to confidence, and his latest comments prove just that. The Seminoles’ rising star sent shockwaves through the college football world with his bold declaration during a summer interview with On3, where he made it crystal clear that he’s relishing the chance to face Alabama in the 2025 season opener — and doesn’t believe the Crimson Tide can stop him, especially with legendary coach Nick Saban no longer patrolling the sidelines in Tuscaloosa.

“I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me,” Castellanos told On3, in a statement that immediately went viral across college football circles. His words have fueled the hype surrounding the season-opening showdown between two of college football’s most iconic programs, a game already filled with intrigue as Alabama embarks on its first full season without Saban and Florida State looks to bounce back from an abysmal 2-10 campaign.

For Castellanos, the opportunity to lead the Seminoles against Alabama represents more than just a marquee matchup — it’s the fulfillment of a childhood dream. Growing up in Waycross, Georgia, the dynamic signal-caller admired Alabama’s dominance from afar. But now, with the Crimson Tide undergoing a leadership transition and the Seminoles desperately seeking redemption after one of the worst seasons in program history, Castellanos believes the time is right to make his mark on the national stage.

“I’ve been watching Alabama my whole life,” Castellanos said. “The championships, the Heisman winners, all of it. They’ve been the standard, but things change. I respect what Coach Saban built, but he’s not walking through that door to save them this time. It’s our time now.”

Castellanos, who transferred to Florida State from Boston College following the 2024 season, brings a dual-threat ability that has Seminole fans hopeful for a resurgence. Despite FSU’s catastrophic collapse last season — a sharp contrast to their undefeated regular season in 2023 that ended with them controversially excluded from the College Football Playoff — Castellanos believes the pieces are in place for a turnaround. And it all starts with making a statement in Tallahassee when Alabama comes to town.

“I didn’t come to Florida State to be average,” Castellanos continued. “I came here to change things, to win games like this, to put FSU back where it belongs. Beating Alabama? That’s how you start.”

While some may view his comments as brash, they align with the energy head coach Mike Norvell is trying to instill as he fights to rebuild confidence within the Seminole locker room and fanbase. After a season defined by injuries, inconsistency, and shocking losses, Norvell’s offseason efforts focused heavily on revamping the quarterback position — with Castellanos being the centerpiece of that strategy.

At Boston College, Castellanos showcased flashes of brilliance despite playing behind a struggling offensive line and limited skill talent. His mobility, quick release, and fearless playing style made him one of the ACC’s most electrifying quarterbacks in 2024, accounting for over 3,000 total yards and 27 touchdowns. Now surrounded by higher-tier weapons and operating within Norvell’s up-tempo system, the expectations have skyrocketed.

Castellanos isn’t shying away from those expectations, nor is he backing down from the immense challenge Alabama presents, even in a post-Saban era. The Crimson Tide still boast one of the nation’s most talented rosters, led by a defense stacked with future NFL Draft picks. But with new head coach Kalen DeBoer steering the program, questions remain about how seamlessly Alabama will transition from Saban’s iconic tenure to this next chapter.

“Look, I know they’ve got five-stars everywhere, I know they’re loaded, but they’re not unbeatable,” Castellanos emphasized. “People forget, this is Florida State. We’ve got dudes too. We’ve been slept on after last year, but we’ve got the talent, the coaching, and now it’s just about believing.”

Belief has been in short supply in Tallahassee over the past year, especially after the Seminoles’ dramatic fall from grace. The 2024 campaign, which began with national championship hopes, spiraled into disaster as injuries ravaged the roster, and the team limped to a stunning 2-10 finish. It was a harsh reality check for a program that had spent the previous two seasons climbing back into college football relevance.

But with Castellanos under center, Norvell is banking on renewed energy and dynamic quarterback play to spark the turnaround. Early reports from offseason workouts have been glowing, with teammates praising Castellanos’ leadership, work ethic, and competitiveness.

“Thomas brings a different swagger to this team,” said veteran wide receiver Hykeem Williams. “You can feel it. We needed a guy like him after everything that happened last year. He believes, and when your quarterback believes, everybody else follows.”

Indeed, Castellanos’ bravado has already galvanized the locker room. His confidence, while polarizing externally, has resonated internally within a program desperate for a return to national relevance. And his remarks about Alabama, though bold, reflect a player unafraid of the moment — a mentality Florida State desperately needs heading into the 2025 season.

On the other side, Alabama’s players have yet to publicly respond to Castellanos’ comments, though it’s safe to assume his words have been noted. If history is any indication, bulletin board material like this often fuels the Crimson Tide, regardless of who’s coaching the team. But Castellanos remains unfazed, brushing off the notion that his remarks might add extra motivation for Alabama.

“They don’t need me to motivate them. They’re Alabama. They’re going to show up ready, but so are we,” he said. “At the end of the day, the talking stops when the ball is snapped. I believe in me, I believe in my team, and I believe we’re going to shock people.”

The early-season clash between Florida State and Alabama is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the year. It’s a contest loaded with storylines — the first true test of Alabama’s new regime, Florida State’s shot at redemption, and Castellanos’ long-awaited opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage.

For Florida State fans, Castellanos’ words have injected hope into a fanbase starving for success. His confidence might not guarantee victory, but it signals a new attitude in Tallahassee — one that embraces the challenge rather than fearing it.

“I know people are going to say I’m talking crazy,” Castellanos admitted. “That’s fine. They said the same thing when I transferred here. They said I couldn’t change anything. Well, they’ll see soon enough.”

Come late August, all the talking, hype, and headlines will collide under the lights of Doak Campbell Stadium. And Thomas Castellanos, the confident, determined, and fearless new face of Florida State football, will finally get his shot at Alabama — with or without Nick Saban standing in the way.