Florida State football handed the quarterback reins to Tommy Castellanos. Who went from conference rival to College Football Transfer Portal addition. Castellanos immediately hit the ground running — literally against Alabama.

The former Boston College QB entered Doak Campbell Stadium expected to unleash his run and throw style. Which made him popular at Boston College. Castellanos showed both during this two-play sequence.

Castellanos looks nothing like the prototypical passers FSU rolled with. Last year's starter D.J. Uiagalelei stood at 6-foot-5. Jordan Travis was even taller at 6-foot-1 during the Seminoles' 13-1 season of 2023.

The former Eagles brought his diminutive 5-foot-11 stature against the Crimson Tide. But he quickly gave ‘Bama fits in Tallahassee.

Tommy Castellanos known for ripping Alabama before Florida State opener

Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) looks to pass the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Castellanos rose as Alabama's bulletin board/screenshot motivation for this opener in Tallahassee. He shared these words with Pete Nakos of On3/Rivals back in June ahead of the clash.

“I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don't have Nick Saban to save them. I don't see them stopping me,” Castellanos boldly said.

Castellanos then took his trash talk another level. He trolled Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton one month after his previous ‘Bama comments.

The QB doubled down on his offseason banter. He denied he's a cocky individual. But revealed he's in Tallahassee to reignite the ‘Noles.

“Them boys coming off a 2-10. I just had to install some confidence. You feel me? That's all I'm trying to do. That's all I'm trying to do,” he explained to Nakos. “I'm just trying to get some confidence. Like, I'm trying to get my boys ready to go. You feel me? I'm trying to make it the biggest stage. Yeah, I'm trying to make it the biggest stage.”

He earned his first big stage on Saturday on a rain soaked field. And spearheaded the 17-7 lead into halftime.

More NCAA Football News
In a tense rivalry battle, Prairie View A&M stunned Texas Southern with a last second touchdown for a 22-21 victory.
Prairie View A&M stuns Texas Southern with last second touchdownRandall Barnes ·
New Mexico Lobos quarterback Jack Layne (2) passes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium.
New Mexico Lobos pull off wild fake QB sneak trick play vs. MichiganRichard Pereira ·
LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly looks on against the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium.
LSU football coach Brian Kelly somehow gets trucked by sideline refereeAbdullah Imran ·
Mercer Bears linebacker Isaac Dowling (3) tackles Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium
Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer ends silence on Ryan Williams injuryAllan Binoy ·
Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Travis Bates (39) celebrates a sack during the first half against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.
Kansas State Wildcats escape near-upset vs. FCS team with late-TDRichard Pereira ·
Arkansas State Red Wolves running back Zak Wallace (21) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) during the first half at Michigan Stadium.
Michigan football appealing Jaishawn Barham’s targeting callScotty White ·