Castellanos Returns to the Spotlight as He Joins Florida State’s Malzahn Offense
TALLAHASSEE — Tommy Castellanos’ football journey has taken him from Waycross, Georgia, to Orlando, then to Chestnut Hill with Boston College, and now to Tallahassee, where he’s set to begin a third college chapter and play for a fourth head coach. He is reuniting with Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, the coach who recruited and signed him to UCF in 2022.
FSU’s season opener, a high-stakes showcase with No. 8 Alabama visiting Doak Campbell Stadium, won’t hinge on any single storyline. Yet Castellanos’ speed, elusiveness, and fit in Malzahn’s offense are among the many subplots fans will watch closely as the Seminoles aim to bounce back from a challenging 2024.
“I feel like I’m probably the best I’ve ever been,” Castellanos said. “I’ve got a lot of experience. I think Gus Malzahn has put me in the best position to succeed.”
Castellanos arrives in Tallahassee after two uneven seasons at Boston College. He improved his completion percentage to 61.5 percent in 2024 and helped BC beat Florida State last September. He also nearly pulled off an upset of No. 6 Missouri, throwing for three touchdowns but also settling for two interceptions.
His turnover numbers improved from 2023, when he had 14 interceptions, down to five in 2024, but he also accounted for seven fumbles in eight games. A road loss at Virginia last October featured a pair of picks, and he was sacked multiple times in another game at Virginia Tech. BC coach Bill O’Brien benched Castellanos in November, a reminder of the ups and downs that have punctuated his career.
“When he’s on, he’s dangerous and competitive, and he doesn’t get the credit he’s due as a passer,” ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill said. “He can throw the ball well. The optics sometimes make him look like just a runner, but he can deliver. What makes him dangerous is that when a play breaks down, it’s not over; he can extend plays, maneuver in the pocket, and avoid negative plays.”
There are clear reasons for optimism in Malzahn’s system, but questions remain. Is Castellanos consistently accurate? Can he drive the ball downfield? And can he establish the mental toughness to rebound quickly from successes or mistakes and move on to the next play?
Luginbill noted a key area for Castellanos to prove: the ability to wipe the slate clean after a bad play or stretch and play with a short memory. That mental edge, he said, could determine how quickly Castellanos settles into Malzahn’s offense and how effectively he leads the offense on Saturdays.
What fans should watch this season is Castellanos’ fit within Malzahn’s up-tempo, offense-first approach. If he harmonizes his mobility with improved decision-making and downfield capability, he could unlock a higher ceiling for Florida State’s attack. The challenge will be whether he can maintain consistency game to game and drive sustained scoring under the pressure of a strong schedule.
Overall, Castellanos arrives with confidence and a track record that suggests he can adapt to Malzahn’s play-caller strengths. Florida State is banking on a quarterback who can leverage his athleticism and surprising passing ability to complement a dynamic offense, while also addressing the recurring questions about accuracy and resilience.
Summary: Castellanos’ arrival gives Florida State a seasoned quarterback with a proven playmaking instinct and a tested ability to extend plays. If he can translate his talent into precise downfield throws and quick, positive reactions to mistakes, he could be a catalyst for a more efficient Seminoles offense as they host Alabama and navigate a demanding schedule. A successful transition would mean Florida State benefits from both Castellanos’ mobility and an improved passing game, under a system designed to maximize his strengths.
Additional notes for readers: This is a storyline to watch not just for Florida State fans but for observers curious how Malzahn’s scheme can elevate a quarterback who has shown both high ceiling and room for growth. If Castellanos can lock in mentally and execute consistently, the Seminoles could see a more dynamic, unpredictable offense that stretches defenses and creates opportunities for big plays.