On Saturday, Florida State delivered a stunning performance against Alabama, winning 31-17 in one of the biggest surprises of the college football opening week. This defeat was particularly shocking for the Crimson Tide, who hadn’t lost a season opener since 2001. However, what made this result even more captivating was everything that preceded the matchup.
In June, Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos expressed his confidence to the sports website On3, stating that the Seminoles could compete with the 16-time national champions because, “They don’t have retired coach Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.” Castellanos proved his words were not mere bravado. The Boston College transfer completed 64% of his passes for 152 yards, adding 78 rushing yards and a touchdown to his impressive stats.
His 40-yard completion in the first quarter, followed by a 9-yard touchdown run, showcased his ability to outpace Alabama’s defense. Castellanos, who rushed for 1,113 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Eagles in 2023, made the Crimson Tide's defense appear vulnerable throughout the game. In the third quarter, he connected with receiver Jaylin Lucas for a spectacular 64-yard play. Remarkably, Castellanos was sacked just once and did not turn the ball over.
In a sport that often discourages personality and promotes a military-like demeanor, Castellanos stands out as a refreshing change. Sports thrive on emotion—joy, fear, amusement, and even rivalry. Just as figures like Deion Sanders, Angel Reese, and Novak Djokovic evoke strong feelings, Castellanos has embraced his role as a charismatic player. In football, where both athleticism and entertainment intertwine, it’s the narratives surrounding the game that keep fans engaged.
Many viewers tuned in to watch North Carolina play TCU, not just for the teams, but to see how Bill Belichick would fare as a college head coach. Castellanos has excelled in captivating his audience, not only for his performance but also for his boldness in calling out Alabama. After his initial comments, he directly confronted an Alabama receiver, stating, “Y’all boys gonna see.” At the ACC media days in July, he reiterated his confidence: “We stand on what I said. I said what I said, and we stand on that.”
In 2025, had Florida State lost, Castellanos would have faced ridicule, his face likely becoming a meme across social media platforms. Instead, he played with the poise and skill that showcased his control over the game. Castellanos understood that Alabama was not the same formidable opponent without Saban at the helm. Thanks to NIL opportunities, he has even capitalized on his confidence, selling merchandise with slogans like “NICK CAN’T SAVE THEM” and “STAND ON WHAT I SAID.”
Confidence in sports doesn’t always have to manifest as silence or humility. Sometimes, it’s about making bold statements and backing them up on the field. After leading Boston College to a 4-3 record in October 2023, Castellanos declared, “Boston College football is back. We’re no longer the laughingstock of college football or the ACC. We’re back and we’re rolling.”
Unfortunately, players like Castellanos often find themselves discouraged from making such declarations. Coaches may stifle their personalities out of a desire to protect their players or avoid giving opponents motivation. A 2020 study highlighted that 86% of Division I programs restrict media access to athletes, which diminishes the opportunity for players to voice their thoughts and experiences.
For example, Quinnen Williams, a former defensive lineman for Alabama, hesitated to share his true feelings about Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray ahead of the 2018 College Football Playoff semifinals, ultimately deciding against it. His coach, the notoriously media-shy Nick Saban, likely instilled a fear of speaking out in players. This lack of authenticity can diminish the excitement surrounding college football games.
Sports are far more enjoyable when there’s real animosity and competition on the field. The fierce rivalries, like Alabama-Auburn and Ohio State-Michigan, thrive on the passion and hatred between programs. However, the transfer portal has diluted some of these rivalries. How much can a fifth-year transfer from Texas truly despise Oklahoma?
What college football needs is more players like Tommy Castellanos. His trash-talking and unapologetic attitude not only added an exciting narrative to Florida State’s victory over Alabama but also reminded fans of the entertainment value inherent in sports. Without Castellanos, this upset would have been just another footnote in a long list of college football surprises last weekend. Where’s the fun in that?
