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Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos made headlines this offseason for his trash talk ahead of an opener vs. Alabama. The transfer passer has been vocal about his team’s chances against the Crimson Tide.
He touched on his cockiness during a recent chat with Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton. There was one problem. Horton didn’t know who Castellanos was!
The Seminoles and Tide kick off the 2025 season in Tallahassee. Both programs are coming off of relatively disappointing campaigns.
Alabama went 9-4 in Kalen DeBoer’s first year. They now have the task of replacing their starting quarterback, as well as a number of other contributors.
Florida State, meanwhile, was just 2-10 one year removed from a perfect regular season. DJ Uiagalelei is out under center. Thomas Castellanos is in.
Castellanos transferred from Boston College after being benched by Bill O’Brien. Despite that previous demotion, he’s not lacking confidence.
Thomas Castellanos has been trashing Alabama.
The signal caller went out of his way to provide bulletin board material ahead of the opener. “[Alabama doesn’t] have Nick Saban to save them.” he stated. “I just don’t see them stopping me.”
Castellanos played 22 games for Boston College, throwing for more than 3,600 yards and 19 scores. He lost his starting job midway through 2024, which he blamed on former coaches and teammates.
“Bill O’Brien and I butted heads early in the season. I got banged up a few games. We had a meeting, and it kind of blew up in my face. I did so much for that program, and I just wasn’t repaid the right way…
“I feel like I tore the ACC up by my damn self for the last two years, and now I’m with a squad. I hope people don’t think that Florida State is going to be the same team it was last year because we have weapons. People can’t just sit back in zone coverage and watch me.”
-Thomas Castellanos
Alabama players caught wind of the trash talk on social media. Many posted their responses to the disrespect online. Most just laughed the comments off.
There are some, though, that appear unaware. One trained with Castellanos on the field this week.
Isaiah Horton doesn’t know who Castellanos is.
The duo trained with Cam Ward and others about a month out from the 2025 season opener. Castellanos had to introduce himself to Horton, who needed to ask him who he was.
“I’m the Florida State quarterback,” he replied. The passer then backtracked a bit while revealing his true motive behind the trash talk.
“I don’t ever talk like that,” Castellanos said. “Them boys are coming off 2-10. I just want to instill some confidence.”
Thomas Castellanos believes he was being a leader by disrespecting Alabama. Some of his Crimson Tide foes clearly disagreed. Isaiah Horton, meanwhile, seemed oblivious to it all.
The wide receiver brushed off the hate and plans to let his play do the talking come Week 1.