Florida State's Castellanos Doubts Alabama's Power Without Saban

Miami Lakes, Florida, USA - As the countdown to the 2025 college football season heats up, Thomas Castellanos, the newly minted quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles, is setting the stage for an electrifying opener against Alabama. In a bold assertion, Castellanos declared, „They don’t have Nick Saban to save them,“ showcasing his confidence ahead of the highly anticipated matchup scheduled for August 30. The weight of that statement resonates not just with fans, but also within the context of Alabama’s recent coaching changes, as Bleacher Report details.

Castellanos, who transferred to Florida State from Boston College after a challenging season where he lost his starting position, is ready to flip the script. He completed 61.5% of his passes for 1,366 yards and 18 touchdowns in eight games last year at Boston College. His move to the Seminoles comes after Florida State’s disappointing 2-10 finish in the previous season, marking a dramatic fall from grace after winning the ACC Championship just a year before. As Castellanos himself noted, “Unfortunately, things didn’t happen the way I wanted them to happen,” suggesting there may be more to his transfer saga than meets the eye.

Challenging the Status Quo

Beyond the numbers, Castellanos aims to reinvigorate a Florida State program that has seen better days. With head coach Kalen DeBoer leading Alabama into his second year, the Tide’s record of 9-4 doesn’t quite echo the glory days of Nick Saban, who won six national championships during his tenure. While Alabama’s defense held strong, ranking No. 4 in the SEC with an average of 17.4 points allowed per game, questions loom over their current capabilities without Saban’s legendary guidance.

Castellanos is poised to capitalize on these uncertainties. He’s not just a capable passer; he’s a dual-threat quarterback with impressive stats, including 3,689 passing yards and 33 touchdowns throughout his career. Last season alone, he racked up 1,113 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and ability to start fast in games—a trait he emphasized in his remarks, as Sports Illustrated reported.

Expectations and Odds

Despite Castellanos’ confidence, he faces a formidable road ahead. Alabama enters the 2025 season as a 12.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, with a projected over/under win total of 9.5 games, while Florida State’s sits at 7.5. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams, especially for a Florida State squad looking to reclaim its former glory.

The dynamics of college football today often hinge on transfers, a trend spurred by the NCAA Transfer Portal and NIL deals. Last season alone saw over 3,000 student-athletes making moves, with a significant number coming from Power-5 schools. While some studies indicate that transferring can negatively impact performance, those who have switched teams generally seek better opportunities, aiming to thrive in new environments as highlighted in a thorough analysis by IU Online.

As Castellanos prepares to lead the Seminoles onto the field, the question persists: can he rise to the occasion and outshine the legacy left by Saban at Alabama? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: the matchup is a must-watch for football fans eager to see if Florida State can turn the tides and begin a new chapter under fresh leadership.