Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos made headlines during the offseason by boldly challenging Alabama and questioning whether Nick Saban could keep his team safe from him. It seems Castellanos had a point following the Seminoles 31-17 upset victory against the No. 8-ranked team, where he delivered an impressive 152 yards in the air along with 78 on the ground. This performance has rekindled hopes for a successful season, especially after a disappointing 2-10 record last year.

The collaboration between Castellanos and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn seems to be a match made in heaven, making waves right from their first game. Malzahn, known for his prowess in running game strategies, utilized Castellanos’s exceptional speed and agility to tackle Alabama’s strong defensive front.

In fact, Castellanos’s ability to manage 16 rushing attempts—five of which resulted in first downs or touchdowns—was crucial.

“Felt like old times tonight!! 🍢”
— Coach Gus Malzahn
August 30, 2025

With only three ranked opponents left on their schedule, including Miami, Clemson, and the Florida Gators, another upset could pave a promising path back to the ACC Championship. The emergence of Castellanos and Malzahn has entirely changed the narrative after a tough previous year.