Florida State appears to be like to bounce again in an enormous method this fall after a disastrous 2-10 marketing campaign in 2024. There’s loads of blame to go round for the Seminoles’ shortcomings final season, however quarterback play was close to the highest of the record. DJ Uiagalelei struggled mightily in his return to the ACC, and the ‘Noles by no means discovered a solution additional down the depth chart that might get the offense again on observe.
That led coach Mike Norvell again into the switch portal to discover a new QB this offseason, turning to former Boston Faculty (and UCF) quarterback Thomas Castellanos to deliver some juice again to the Seminoles offense.
Castellanos left the Eagles in November of final season after getting benched as he battled accidents, and he merely wasn’t a very good slot in Invoice O’Brien’s professional type offense that neutered his affect as a operating risk (he went from 1,113 yards dashing in 2023 to 194 in 2024). Now, he’ll attempt to revive each his profession and the Seminoles’ hopes of being ACC and Faculty Soccer Playoff contenders. And the senior QB shouldn’t be shy about asserting his intentions in Tallahassee.
Castellanos just lately spoke with Pete Nakos of On3 and had loads to say about the best way his time in Chestnut Hill ended, whereas additionally sending a message to the ACC and school soccer world about what he believes is to return now that he is on the Seminoles. That included fairly the jab at FSU’s Week 1 opponent, Alabama, as Castellanos supplied up a quote that may undoubtedly get loads of play within the lead as much as that showdown at Doak Campbell Stadium:
I am excited, man. Folks, I do not know in the event that they know, however you return and watch each first recreation that I performed in, we at all times begin quick. I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of taking part in in opposition to Alabama. They do not have Nick Saban to avoid wasting them. I simply do not see them stopping me.
After which the ACC. I really feel like I tore the ACC up by my rattling self for the final two years, and now I am with a squad. I hope individuals do not suppose that Florida State goes to be the identical workforce it was final yr as a result of we have now weapons. Folks cannot simply sit again in zone protection and watch me.
In case the Crimson Tide have been in want of any extra motivation for the opener at FSU, they actually have it now. If Castellanos would not ball out in opposition to Alabama, he will change into a meme with haste, and that “they do not have Nick Saban to avoid wasting them” line goes to be plastered on graphics throughout social media. Boston Faculty followers will even be looking ahead to some Castellanos schadenfreude since he clearly felt he was a one-man band in Chestnut Hill.
Nonetheless, for a Florida State workforce that was juiceless a yr in the past, that is the form of confidence it will need from the chief below middle. It may actually backfire spectacularly, but when Castellanos did not really feel this manner, it would be a a lot greater drawback for FSU. This may be the form of factor you say internally within the locker room and never on the document in an interview, however I recognize his willingness to present this recreation just a little added buzz.
