Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos calls out Alabama: 'They don't have Nick Saban to save them'

New Florida State Seminoles quarterback Thomas Castellanos sat down for an exclusive interview with On3’s Pete Nakos. There, he made headlines with his thoughts on the Alabama Crimson Tide ahead of their Week 1 matchup.

In particular, Castellanos called out Alabama for not being the same program as it was under Nick Saban. So, he’s excited to have the opportunity to prove what he and the Seminoles are capable of doing to the Crimson Tide on that kind of stage.

“I’m excited, man,” Castellanos told On3’s Pete Nakos in an exclusive interview. “People, I don’t know if they know, but you go back and watch every first game that I played in, we always start fast. I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.”

Thomas Castellanos began his college career at UCF before he transferred to Boston College. Amid coaching changes there, he found himself playing for three head coaches in as many seasons. He chose to move on again following the 2024 season and landed at Florida State, alongside his head coach at UCF Gus Malzahn, who is now the Seminoles’ offensive coordinator.

For his career, Castellanos has a 58.6 completion percentage and 3,689 passing yards in 26 games. He also has 33 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions for his career. A dual-threat quarterback, he also has 1,427 career rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. In Malzahn’s offense, Florida State will likely look to take advantage of his legs.

Alabama is certainly going to be a different program without Nick Saban. Often regarded as the greatest coach of his generation, Saban led Alabama to six national championships before retiring after the 2023 season. The Crimson Tide had a 201-29 record under him. It’s essentially impossible to replicate that success, but they’re doing what they can to under Kalen DeBoer.

In DeBoer’s first season, Alabama did take a step in the wrong direction, going 9-4 and missing out on the College Football Playoff entirely. At the same time, there were clear flashes of the capability of the Alabama program, like their win over Georgia.

Florida State, meanwhile, is coming off a shocking season where they’d go just 2-10 and finish 17th in the ACC. That was one season removed from winning the conference. It was also a season where the Seminoles struggled to find stability at quarterback. Thomas Castellanos feels confident he can be that stability next season. It’s his third school and a situation where he finally feels ready to play to his full potential.

Either way, Thomas Castellanos is clearly excited for his opportunity this season. Alabama likely won’t forget his comments either. The two sides won’t have to wait long to prove things on the field, either. Florida State will host Alabama on August 30th to kick off the 2025 season.

Read the full Thomas Castellanos interview with Pete Nakos on On3+