Florida State Quarterback Thomas Castellanos Tells On3 Sports He Has Dreamed His Whole Life of Playing Against Alabama Crimson Tide

Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos has never been shy about embracing the big stage, but when it comes to the 2025 season opener against Alabama, the Seminoles’ signal-caller says it’s more than just another game — it’s the realization of a lifelong dream. Speaking with On3 Sports during offseason preparations, Castellanos admitted that facing Alabama is a moment he has envisioned since he first picked up a football.

“I’ve dreamed of playing against Alabama since I was a kid,” Castellanos told On3. “That program has set the standard in college football for as long as I can remember. To finally get the opportunity to step on the field with them, it’s surreal — but at the same time, I’m ready to compete. This is what I’ve worked for.”

The highly anticipated clash between Florida State and Alabama is set for Week 1 of the 2025 college football season and has been circled on calendars across the country for months. The matchup not only pits two of the sport’s most storied programs against each other, but it also marks the dawn of a new era for Alabama football. The Crimson Tide will take the field without legendary head coach Nick Saban, who retired earlier this year, ending a dynasty that dominated college football for nearly two decades.

For Castellanos, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. The junior quarterback transferred to Florida State from UCF ahead of last season and quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country. Known for his dual-threat ability, fearless approach, and knack for extending plays, Castellanos led the Seminoles to an 11-2 finish and rekindled hopes of a return to national prominence for the program.

Now, as Florida State looks to build on that success, Castellanos has the opportunity to face the team he grew up watching — and dreaming of playing against.

“Growing up in Georgia, you hear about Alabama every day. They were winning championships, sending guys to the league, and dominating the game,” Castellanos explained. “As a competitor, you want to go against the best. For me, that’s always been Alabama.”

The excitement in Castellanos’ voice is evident, but so is his confidence. His rise to prominence has been anything but conventional. Coming out of high school, many Power Five programs passed on the undersized but electric quarterback. Determined to prove doubters wrong, Castellanos carved a path through UCF before transferring to Florida State, where his dynamic skill set has turned heads across the country.

Last season, Castellanos threw for 2,915 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 813 rushing yards and 11 scores on the ground. His fearless approach and leadership have made him a fan favorite in Tallahassee, and now, with a matchup against Alabama looming, he sees the moment as both a personal milestone and a chance for the Seminoles to make a statement.

“It’s not just about me living out a dream,” Castellanos said. “It’s about this team showing the world that Florida State is back. We’re ready to compete with anybody, and we’re coming to Tuscaloosa to win.”

The significance of the matchup extends beyond Castellanos’ personal ambitions. Florida State has been building toward this moment under head coach Mike Norvell, who has methodically rebuilt the program into an ACC contender. A win over Alabama would send shockwaves through the college football landscape, vaulting the Seminoles into the national spotlight and propelling them into early College Football Playoff discussions.

For Alabama, the game represents a new chapter in the program’s storied history. With Saban’s departure, former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer takes the reins, tasked with maintaining the Crimson Tide’s elite status in a rapidly evolving college football landscape. Though Alabama remains stacked with talent, questions linger about how the program will respond to life after Saban.

Castellanos believes the timing works in Florida State’s favor.

“Alabama’s still Alabama — they’ve got great players and a winning culture — but every new era has growing pains,” Castellanos said. “We’re going in with respect, but we’re not afraid. We’re coming to compete, and I’ve been waiting my whole life for this.”

The Florida State offense returns several key weapons to support Castellanos, including star wide receiver Malik Benson, explosive running back Rodney Hill, and an experienced offensive line expected to provide stability against Alabama’s formidable front seven. The Seminoles also boast an improved defense, one capable of challenging Alabama’s offense and creating opportunities for Castellanos to showcase his playmaking ability.

The quarterback’s comments have already generated significant buzz across social media and sports talk shows, with fans and analysts dissecting the implications of the matchup. Many have praised Castellanos for embracing the challenge and expressing his excitement, while others warn that Alabama, even without Saban, remains a dangerous opponent with a proven track record of silencing bold proclamations.

Former Seminole greats, including Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward, have expressed support for Castellanos’ mindset.

“You want your quarterback to believe in himself and the team,” Ward said during a recent interview. “Playing against Alabama is never easy, but if you approach it with fear, you’ve already lost. I love that Tommy’s embracing the moment.”

Meanwhile, Alabama players and coaches have remained largely tight-lipped about Castellanos’ remarks, focusing instead on their preparations for what promises to be a high-stakes season opener.

“We respect Florida State, and we know their quarterback is talented,” Alabama linebacker Kendrick Blackwell said. “But at the end of the day, talk doesn’t win games — execution does. We’ll be ready.”

For Castellanos, the game represents more than just a chance to compete against the Crimson Tide; it’s an opportunity to honor the countless hours of work, sacrifice, and belief that have brought him to this point.

“There were a lot of people who told me I couldn’t play quarterback at this level,” Castellanos reflected. “I never stopped believing, never stopped working. Now, to walk into Tuscaloosa, under those lights, with this team — that’s the dream. But the real dream is walking out of there with a win.”

The countdown to kickoff continues, with both teams grinding through summer workouts, installing game plans, and preparing for the momentous showdown. For fans of both programs, the game offers a tantalizing preview of where the college football power structure could be headed in the post-Saban era.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for either side. Florida State seeks to validate its return to national contention, while Alabama looks to prove that its dynasty didn’t retire with Saban. In the middle of it all stands Thomas Castellanos, the once-overlooked quarterback living his dream — and determined to turn it into a defining victory.

As the college football world eagerly awaits the opening whistle, one thing is certain: Castellanos has dreamed of this moment his whole life. Now, under the bright lights of Tuscaloosa, he’ll get his chance to make that dream a reality.