Joe Tessitore slams Virginia fan who flipped off Tommy Castellanos

Virginia stunned No. 8 Florida State 46-38 in 2OT Saturday night to secure its first home victory against a top-10 opponent since Oct. 2005 (also against Florida State). Naturally, the fans stormed the field immediately after defensive back Ja’Son Prevard sealed the win with a game-ending interception.

As Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos exited the field, a Virginia fan ran up to him and flipped him a bird as he continued his sprint to midfield to celebrate with the rest of the Cavalier fans. During Saturday’s ESPN broadcast of No. 9 Texas A&M/Auburn, announcer Joe Tessitore slammed the fan for his action.

Props to the UVA student for not dropping his phone while executing the drive-by bird on Thomas Castellanos. Sneaky athletic move. pic.twitter.com/qqBhKuyLVc

— Scott Bell (@sbell021) September 27, 2025

“You wanna really talk about that field storm?” Tessitore said. “You don’t flip the bird right in the face of a player and think you’re just gonna go about your day normally. If that happens in a college bar about an hour later, it’s a much different outcome my man.”

Virginia put on a show for its fans in the win. Quarterback Chandler Morris completed 26-of-his-35 pass attempts for 229 yards and two touchdowns. Morris also gave the Seminoles headaches in the ground game, racking up 37 rushing yards and three TDs.

In the third quarter, Morris appeared to suffer a hand injury after hitting his hand on one of his lineman’s helmets on a throw. Alas, Morris shook off the injury and led his team to a victory.

Virginia running back J’Mari Taylor also shined in the win, tallying 99 rushing yards and a touchdown. It’s a statement win for Virginia head coach Tony Elliott, who many analysts considered to be on the hot seat entering this season.

Virginia should expect hefty fine following field storm

The 2025 campaign is Elliott’s fourth year at the helm of the Cavaliers. He’s yet to lead the program to a winning season. Virginia posted a 5-7 record last season.

If Friday night is any indication, brighter days are ahead for the Cavaliers. The team will certainly be able to count on their fans supporting them for the foreseeable future.

It was a 12-round slugfest between the two teams. Virginia jumped out early to a 14-0 lead. Nevertheless, FSU didn’t accept defeat, rattling off 21 unanswered points in return.

Virginia fought back and had a 7-point lead with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter. Then, things looked bleak for Virginia, when FSU quarterback Thomas Castellanos found Randy Pittman Jr. for an 11-yard touchdown to tie the game and force overtime.

Nonetheless, the Cavaliers didn’t falter with their backs against the wall, ultimately squeaking out a triumph in double-overtime. Virginia fans didn’t waste any time pouring onto the field, surrounding fans and coaches alike.

Of course, Virginia’s unforgettable celebration will also come at a cost. This summer, the ACC announced it’d be assessing fines to schools whose fans storm their respective fields/courts. A school’s first offense results in a $50,000 fine.

On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this article.