Florida State Quarterback Tommy Castellanos Sends Warning Shot to Alabama: ‘They Don’t Have Nick Saban to Save Them Anymore’

Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos is not one to shy away from bold statements, and his recent remarks ahead of the Seminoles’ highly anticipated season opener against Alabama have sent shockwaves through the college football world. Speaking with On3 Sports during summer workouts, Castellanos confidently declared, “They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.”

The comment comes as both programs prepare for one of the most hyped opening-week matchups of the 2025 college football season. The Seminoles, fresh off an 11-win campaign and looking to cement their place among the sport’s elite, will travel to Tuscaloosa to face an Alabama team entering a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer, who succeeded the legendary Nick Saban following his retirement earlier this year.

For Castellanos, the matchup represents more than just another game. It’s a statement opportunity—a chance to showcase not only his talent but also Florida State’s resurgence on the national stage. His words have only added fuel to what was already a fiercely anticipated clash.

The Seminoles’ dynamic signal-caller transferred to Florida State from UCF and quickly became one of the ACC’s most electrifying players. Last season, Castellanos dazzled with his dual-threat ability, throwing for over 2,900 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding another 800 yards and 11 scores on the ground. His mobility, improvisation, and competitive fire transformed Florida State’s offense into one of the nation’s most dangerous units.

Facing Alabama, however, represents a different kind of challenge—a challenge Castellanos clearly believes he’s prepared for.

“They’ve got great athletes, no doubt. But this isn’t the Alabama of old. Coach Saban isn’t walking through that tunnel,” Castellanos said. “I respect their tradition, but we’re coming in to take over. I just don’t see them stopping me.”

Castellanos’ confidence may resonate within the Florida State locker room, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed in Tuscaloosa. Alabama, despite Saban’s departure, remains loaded with talent, boasting one of the nation’s top recruiting classes and a defense stacked with future NFL prospects. Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who enjoyed tremendous success at Washington, inherits the challenge of maintaining Alabama’s standard of excellence while implementing his own vision for the program.

For many Alabama fans and analysts, Castellanos’ comments are reminiscent of past opponents who underestimated the Crimson Tide—often to their own detriment. Yet, the reality is that this Alabama team, while talented, is unproven under new leadership. That uncertainty, combined with Castellanos’ playmaking ability, sets the stage for potential fireworks in Week 1.

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has praised Castellanos’ leadership and competitive spirit, noting that his quarterback’s belief in himself reflects the broader culture shift within the Seminoles’ program.

“Tommy’s hungry. He’s worked for everything he’s gotten, and he brings that edge to our entire team,” Norvell said when asked about the quarterback’s comments. “We know Alabama’s a great program. We respect them, but we’re focused on us. Our preparation, our execution, that’s what matters.”

Behind Castellanos, Florida State returns a potent offensive core, including standout receiver Malik Benson and running back Rodney Hill, both of whom are expected to play major roles in testing Alabama’s defense. The Seminoles also bring back significant experience along the offensive line, an area that will be crucial in neutralizing Alabama’s vaunted pass rush.

For Castellanos, the matchup is more than just an opportunity to showcase his skills—it’s personal. The Georgia native was lightly recruited by SEC powers coming out of high school, seen by some as undersized for the quarterback position. Since then, he’s used every slight and doubt as motivation, carving his path to becoming one of the most dangerous playmakers in college football.

“People doubted me from the jump,” Castellanos reflected. “Now, I get to go into the heart of the SEC, their backyard, and prove I belong at the top. They’ve been the kings for a long time, but that crown’s up for grabs now.”

Alabama’s response to Castellanos’ comments has been predictably measured. Players and coaches have largely avoided adding fuel to the fire, focusing on their preparation for what promises to be a demanding opener.

“We’ve got respect for Florida State, and we know Castellanos is a good player,” Alabama linebacker Kendrick Blackwell said during a recent media session. “But talk is talk. We’ll settle it on the field.”

Indeed, the clash between Florida State and Alabama carries enormous implications beyond just the immediate bragging rights. For the Seminoles, it’s a chance to reestablish themselves as a true national contender, building on last season’s success and signaling to the college football world that they can go toe-to-toe with the sport’s traditional powers.

For Alabama, the game marks the beginning of the post-Saban era—a moment filled with both excitement and uncertainty. DeBoer inherits the keys to college football’s most dominant dynasty of the past two decades, but with that comes immense pressure to maintain the program’s elite standard. A loss to Florida State in his debut would undoubtedly raise questions, while a victory would reinforce Alabama’s status as a perennial powerhouse, even without their iconic leader on the sidelines.

Adding to the intrigue is the contrasting styles of play. Castellanos’ improvisational, dual-threat game stretches defenses in ways few quarterbacks can, while Alabama’s traditionally suffocating defense, bolstered by blue-chip talent, aims to contain him. The battle in the trenches, the chess match between coordinators, and the emotional undercurrents created by Castellanos’ comments all combine to make this a can’t-miss spectacle.

The anticipation has only grown as social media, talk shows, and fan forums buzz with reactions to Castellanos’ bold proclamation. Some have praised his confidence, citing the need for competitors to believe they can conquer any challenge. Others have criticized his remarks as disrespectful, suggesting they’ll only motivate Alabama further.

Former players have also weighed in, including Heisman Trophy winner and Seminoles legend Jameis Winston, who expressed support for Castellanos’ mindset.

“You’ve got to believe in yourself, especially when you’re going into a place like Tuscaloosa,” Winston said during a podcast appearance. “Tommy’s a baller. If he backs it up, it’ll be legendary.”

Backing it up, however, will require more than just belief. Alabama’s defense remains one of the most disciplined and physically imposing units in the country, and their home-field advantage at Bryant-Denny Stadium is unmatched. Castellanos will face relentless pressure, hostile crowd noise, and a defense eager to make a statement of their own.

Still, for Castellanos and the Seminoles, the opportunity is undeniable. A win over Alabama would vault Florida State into the College Football Playoff conversation and cement Castellanos as a household name nationwide. It would also signal a changing of the guard—a potential shift in the college football power structure as one dynasty adjusts to life without its legendary leader.

For now, the countdown to kickoff continues, and the echoes of Castellanos’ words—“They don’t have Nick Saban to save them”—linger in the air. Whether those words become the rallying cry for Florida State’s triumph or the motivation for Alabama’s response will be revealed under the lights in Tuscaloosa.

One thing is certain: the college football world will be watching, and Tommy Castellanos has ensured that all eyes will be on him when the Seminoles and Crimson Tide collide.