As the countdown to the college football season begins, Florida State’s new quarterback Tommy Castellanos is already generating excitement for the Seminoles’ opening game against Alabama. The matchup, which takes place on August 30 at 2:30 p.m. CT in Tallahassee, will be pivotal for both teams, but Castellanos is particularly optimistic about Florida State’s chances.
In a recent interview, Castellanos emphasized his eagerness for the game, recalling his history of starting strong in previous season openers. “I dreamed of moments like this,” he stated, indicating his high expectations. Notably, Castellanos expressed confidence in facing Alabama, suggesting that the absence of legendary coach Nick Saban could play in their favor.
Having previously played under former Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien at Boston College, Castellanos is now ready to embrace a fresh start under Florida State’s new offensive coordinator, Gus Malzahn. During his time at Boston College, he had a solid performance, completing 61.5% of his passes for 1,366 yards and 18 touchdowns, alongside rushing efforts of 194 yards and one touchdown.
Castellanos feels liberated by Malzahn’s coaching style, saying, “He’s just giving me the keys and allowing me to just be me.” This sentiment reflects his desire to bring the best version of himself to the field, which he believes was stifled in his previous role.
Despite the Seminoles’ challenging 2-10 record last year, Castellanos believes a turnaround is possible. His motivation goes beyond individual performance; he aims to uplift the team, fans, and the community. “I’m trying to save jobs and win,” he remarked, highlighting his commitment to the program.
As this intense matchup approaches, anticipation continues to build, with Castellanos’ passion and enthusiasm serving as a rallying cry for Florida State as they look to make a significant impact this season. The game promises to be a thrilling start to the college football campaign, drawing in fans eager to see how the Seminoles will perform against the storied program of Alabama.