Mike Norvell details how Thomas Castellanos has inspired Florida State as a leader

After the disaster that was the 2024 season, Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell returned to the drawing board. He’d make the decision to dip into the Transfer Portal to reset the roster to go along with a new-look coaching staff. It was in the portal where the Seminoles landed Thomas Castellanos.

For Norvell, one of the most impressive things about Castellanos is his leadership. That’s something that doesn’t necessarily come from what he says, but how he acts. It’s that example that the Seminoles are now following in 2025.

“Tommy doesn’t have to stand in front of people and say he’s confident,” Mike Norvell said. “Because, once again, anybody can do that. It’s the impact is when you see somebody come out to work, like, what does it look like? What does it feel like? What is he doing whenever it’s not, you know, it’s not even structured. Like, what is he doing on his own? And I think that’s where he’s earned a lot of respect and probably encouraged, inspired, you know, others to continue to ascend to their best level.” 

It was a long journey for Castellanos to get to Florida State. He began his career at UCF before transferring to Boston College for two seasons. Along the way, he had three head coaches in three seasons. Norvell actually became his fourth head coach in four seasons. At times, there were tensions at Boston College with head coach Bill O’Brien, and he actually walked away from the team last season, which he has since expressed remorse for. 

“And, you know, nobody’s perfect. I mean, he has his moments just like anybody does,” Norvell said. “But it’s like when you collectively as a group, you know, if you see somebody dip a little less than what they’ve been, well, now you can help hold and challenge each other. But I think that’s what, you know, Tommy’s done a great job within his leadership and being able to show that his confidence has been earned. And so, you know, that’s where, as a football team, we’re all continuing to push towards.”

Paired with new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, Thomas Castellanos was a quick sparkplug for the Florida State offense. That saw him help to beat Alabama in their opener in convincing fashion. After that, Florida State dominated East Texas A&M to jump out to a 2-0 start to the season, matching 2024’s win total.

Through two games, Castellanos is completing 68 percent of his passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 85 yards and another touchdown.

Florida State has a bye week upcoming. After that, the Seminoles will continue non-conference play in Week 4 against Kent State. Then, they’ll begin to get tested against their ACC slate.