By : Ethan Horner
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Just one year removed from a 2-10 campaign, Florida State has pulled off one of the biggest early-season upsets in college football. Behind the electric play of quarterback Thomas Castellanos, the Seminoles stunned No. 8 Alabama with a 31-17 victory at Doak Campbell Stadium—a win that could mark the turning point of the program’s resurgence.
Castellanos, who entered the season brimming with confidence, more than backed up his offseason words. When asked about facing Alabama, the junior quarterback boldly said, “They don’t have Nick Saban to save them now. I just don’t see how they can stop me.” On Saturday night, he proved himself right.
From the opening snap, Castellanos controlled the game with both his arm and legs, dissecting an Alabama defense that had been expected to set the tone. His improvisational ability kept plays alive, and his leadership gave the Seminoles the belief they could hang with—and ultimately beat—the Crimson Tide.
The Seminoles’ defense also deserves credit, holding Alabama’s high-powered offense to just 17 points. Each stop energized the crowd and added to the momentum that Florida State carried deep into the second half.
For FSU, this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. After years of struggles and a dismal 2-10 record last season, the Seminoles have proven they’re no longer a team to be overlooked. Castellanos has emerged as the face of that turnaround, a quarterback with swagger, playmaking ability, and the results to match.
As the final seconds ticked away and fans poured onto the field, it felt less like an upset and more like the arrival of something bigger. With Castellanos at the helm, Florida State isn’t just rebuilding—they’re already back in contention for the ACC Title.