FSU's Thomas Castellanos Says Alabama Doesn't Have 'Nick Saban to Save Them' in Opener

Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos called out Alabama ahead of the season-opening matchup between the two teams in 2025.

"They don't have Nick Saban to save them," Castellanos told On3.com's Pete Nakos. "I just don't see them stopping me."

The Crimson Tide are entering their second year under head coach Kalen DeBoer after compiling a 9-4 record in 2024, which included a 5-3 finish in the SEC.

Castellanos spent the first three seasons of his college career at UCF and Boston College before transferring to Florida State in December 2024.

He abruptly left the Eagles in November 2024 after losing his starting job to Grayson James.

“I would just say unfortunately things didn’t happen the way I wanted them to happen,” Castellanos explained on Jan. 29, per Bob Ferrante of the Associated Press. “Unfortunately, a lot of the things that were out there are not true. But that’s past me now."

He completed 61.5 percent of his throws for 1,366 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to five interceptions in eight games with Boston College last season.

Now, Castellanos is looking to help Florida State bounce back from a disappointing 2-10 finish in 2024.

Saban won six national championships in 17 seasons with the Crimson Tide, as Alabama routinely found itself atop the SEC standings.

While DeBoer wasn't able to replicate Saban's success right away, the Tide still owned the No. 4 scoring defense in the conference by allowing a mere 17.4 points per game during the 2024 season.

Alabama and Florida State will face off to start their respective seasons on Aug. 30.