Unfortunately, Mike Norvell received news in the past few hours that could change his plans for the upcoming season: Castellanos, through an open letter on his social media, confirmed that he is declaring for the next NFL Draft.

This quarterback class has shown remarkable talent, featuring names like Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Dante Moore, although some of them have not yet officially confirmed their decision to make the jump to the NFL.

The record of five wins and seven losses may have marked Castellanos’ final experience wearing the Seminoles’ colors, a program where he was able to fully develop his talent after arriving from Boston College.

Castellanos’ farewell

Castellanos has finally made the decision to take the next step in his career and, through a heartfelt message on his official Instagram account, not only thanked the Florida State Seminoles but also everyone who supported him during his time at Boston College.

“To Florida State, thank you for changing my life,” the QB started. “Being a Seminole has been an absolute dream come true. From the relationships built to the moments that will stay with me forever, I’m proud to graduate from this incredible university and I will carry the garnet and gold with me wherever I go.

“To Boston College, thank you for changing my life. Being a part of such an amazing institution has been one of the greatest honors I could ever experience. I’m excited to announced that I will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.”

The current record of five wins and six losses is a faithful reflection of what the Seminoles’ season has been like so far, falling short of their expectations. In fact, this is something they will need to improve exponentially in the short term, according to their head coach.

“Obviously, we’ve got to be more consistent,” Mike Norvell said via On3.com. “I mean, we’ve shown flashes of being able to play at an elite level, but we’ve not been consistent enough or we haven’t played in a sense of complementary football, especially there on the road. Something that we’ve got to continue to improve upon.

“We’ve got a young team. We’ve got some young players, we’ve got some guys that do have experience, but ultimately it’s still about the application of that. I don’t think we’re far off. I mean, there has been some things that have happened this year — we’ve earned the results of games, but we’ve also had some very unique dynamics that have contributed to that and to some of the negative outcomes that we’ve had.”

Norvell’s frustration over the results

There is no doubt that the results achieved this season by the Seminoles are not something that satisfied anyone in the program. In fact, Norvell himself admitted to the press how frustrating it was not to have reached the goal.

“I believe that we are close. You lose six games, and it sucks. Like I said, we have absolutely not been close to the expectation of what I have for this team, for what I have and for what I know is the overall expectation of Florida State football, in general.

“But I do believe in where we’re going. I do believe in some of the progress that we’ve been able to see, but it’s not consistent enough. Even in games, where there’s — it’s not like there’s games where we haven’t shown up. We’ve been able to gain yards. We’ve been able to hold teams to less. You go through all that.”

What’s next for the Seminoles?

The intense rivalry game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Florida Gators is scheduled for Friday, November 29th. The annual matchup will be held at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, the home turf of the Gators.

Far from making excuses that might explain the poor performance of Castellanos’ team in the loss to the Tigers, FSU’s coach was blunt about one of the main reasons they failed to impose themselves against their rival.

After the 24-10 loss, Norvell spoke to the press and, with a four-word message, revealed where his Seminoles failed to make a difference: “Too many missed opportunities.”

Although Tommy Castellanos finished 23-of-43 for 250 yards with one touchdown and one interception, failing to capitalize on key opportunities ultimately tilted the game in favor of the home team.

Ending with heads held high

The Florida State Seminoles are entering a crucial three-game stretch needing two victories to achieve the six-win threshold for bowl eligibility. Currently sitting at 4-5 after a disappointing loss to Clemson, the ‘Noles must find a way to finish strong.

Their path begins with a difficult home stand against Virginia Tech on November 15th, before taking to the road for back-to-back rivalry challenges: an ACC matchup at NC State and the season-ending traditional clash against the Florida Gators in Gainesville.

With their postseason hopes hanging by a thread, the Seminoles must now treat every snap as a playoff scenario, needing to pull off at least one road victory to cap the season and secure a coveted bowl bid.

The latest loss to Stanford set off alarms after the starting quarterback took a hard hit to the head, putting his availability against Wake Forest in doubt. Fortunately, the team confirmed that he is listed as “probable” for the game.

If deemed necessary, coach Norvell can turn to his top playmaker on the field, as the Seminoles desperately need to get back on the winning track to keep their hopes of securing a College Football Playoff spot alive.

The impact of Castellanos on the Seminoles’ offense

Through seven games, transfer QB Tommy Castellanos has been the unequivocal catalyst for the Florida State offense, leveraging his elite dual-threat ability to drive production.

He has been responsible for 1,926 yards of total offense, recording 1,607 passing yards with 9 touchdowns through the air, and adding a crucial dimension on the ground with 319 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns.

While FSU’s recent results have been inconsistent, Castellanos’ ability to extend plays and contribute over 275 total yards per game underscores his heavy—and sometimes volatile—influence on the Seminoles’ scheme.

Chasing the playoff dream

The Florida State Seminoles (3-4, 0-4 ACC) are at a critical crossroads. After a painful four-game slide, the College Football Playoff aspirations are virtually gone, but a mathematical path remains if Mike Norvell’s squad can “run the table.”

This starts immediately with a brutal three-game gauntlet: hosting Wake Forest, a massive road rivalry test at Clemson, and then a home game against Virginia Tech. FSU must win out, starting with this trio, to have any chance of re-entering the national conversation. For ‘Nole Nation, the time for major conference wins is now, as a single slip-up seals their postseason fate.

The recent bye week gave Florida State’s coaching staff a much-needed breather, which they used to give one of their top players some rest. Looking ahead, the team remains confident that Castellanos will be ready to start in the next game.

“I’m feeling very confident in where it’s trending,” Norvell said. “But obviously, we’ll be able to get a little bit more as we get on in the week. I think he’s handled what he’s been asked to do very well.”

If FSU can’t count on its starting quarterback, Kevin Sperry will take the field. The team’s primary backup completed 12 of 17 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns in what ultimately became a loss to Stanford.

Getting back to winning right away

The once-promising Florida State Seminoles football season has officially reached a crisis point, with the team sinking to four consecutive losses following brutal defeats against Virginia, Miami, Pittsburgh, and Stanford.

What began with an upset over Alabama now sees Mike Norvell’s squad in desperate need of a win, clinging to relevancy amid a stunning nosedive. The pressure in Tallahassee is mounting to an unbearable level; for the Seminoles to salvage any hope for the season, they must snap this losing streak and find a way back into the win column this weekend.

What’s next for the Seminoles?

With their season spiraling amid a four-game skid, the Florida State Seminoles are facing a make-or-break three-game stretch starting this Saturday at home against Wake Forest. That vital contest is followed by a daunting road trip to face rivals Clemson at Memorial Stadium, before the Seminoles return to Tallahassee to host Virginia Tech. FSU needs multiple wins from this stretch to keep any bowl hopes alive and quell the mounting pressure on the program.

The objective is clear: reach the next stage. But it’s just as clear that without results, that goal will be out of reach. True to his style, Norvell is choosing to take it one day at a time, refusing to look too far ahead.

“It’s about today for me, like, I’m going to show up and I’m going to do everything I can to win today, and then everything building up for Wake Forest,” the experienced head coach said.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in the long term of what this will be. I mean, until somebody tells me different, I have the absolute belief in long term, and you know, the pressures, the opinions, the expectations, because there’s been times, I mean, you look at our first two and a half years, I wasn’t happy with the results there. Even after beating LSU and sitting there 4-3 after a three game losing streak. I mean, I was extremely disappointed.

“And we hadn’t won a couple games that were exciting. We hadn’t shown the ability to sustain that. And then we did, and, you know, and even with winning 19 straight games, it’s hard to do. I don’t care who you have.”

Improving on last season

The head coach Mike Norvell holds a 3–4 record this season, following a difficult 2–10 run the year before. Florida State hasn’t secured a win in ACC play in over a year, and pressure continues to mount around the direction of the program.

“In 2024, we experienced a disastrous season,” he said. “Because one, you know, there were some different elements that put us in challenging situations. But then there was also, you know, I mean, we didn’t handle it very well, and it just kind of snowballed on itself.

“You come into this year, and now we got off to a great start. You know, exciting in the beginning. And, you know, we faced some real adversity where we haven’t played complimentary football, and now it’s our job to get it right.”

What’s next for the Seminoles?

• vs Wake Forest, November 1
• @ Clemson, November 8
• vs Virginia Tech, November 15
• @ NC State, November 21
• @ Florida, November 29

Florida State’s legacy is stitched together by icons who turned Tallahassee into a powerhouse. From thrilling Saturdays in Doak Campbell to unforgettable championship runs, they have produced legends that shaped college football.

Each era brought its own heroes—dominant defenders, electrifying playmakers and steady leaders under pressure. Together, they built a tradition that continues to echo across generations, marking milestones that still define the program’s reputation.

Behind the titles and trophies lies a story of grit, brilliance, and moments that lifted the Seminoles into national prominence. The following names stand as the pillars of FSU history, leaving a mark impossible to erase.

Deion Sanders

“Prime Time” wasn’t just a flashy nickname — Deion Sanders embodied the very definition of a game-changer at Florida State. From the moment he stepped onto the field, he was a weapon in every phase: a lockdown corner, a lethal punt returner, and a natural showman who electrified Tallahassee.

Over his career, he racked up 14 interceptions and more than 1,400 punt return yards with three touchdowns. He captured the Jim Thorpe Award in 1988, sealing his place as the nation’s top defensive back.

But the numbers only tell half the story. His knack for stepping up in clutch moments — like the late interception against Auburn in the 1989 Sugar Bowl — became the stuff of Seminole folklore. He wasn’t just an athlete; he was a highlight reel in motion, and his legacy still defines the swagger of Florida State football.

Peter Warrick Jr.

Few players in Seminole history could flip a game on its head the way Peter Warrick did. A dazzling wideout and dangerous punt returner, he became the face of Bobby Bowden’s powerhouse teams of the late 1990s.

His senior year in 1999 was unforgettable: FSU went wire-to-wire as the nation’s No. 1 team, capped by a Sugar Bowl win where he earned MVP honors with over 160 receiving yards, three total touchdowns, and a punt return that broke open the game.

Though his Heisman campaign was derailed by a high-profile off-field incident, his on-field brilliance remains undeniable. He finished his career with 32 receiving touchdowns, still among the program’s all-time best, and his explosiveness helped define an era when Florida State was at the peak of its dominance.

Terrell Buckley

If there was ever a Seminole who could sniff out the football better than anyone else, it was Terrell Buckley. Between 1989 and 1991, he became one of the most feared cornerbacks in college football, amassing a school-record 21 interceptions and setting the NCAA record with 501 career interception return yards.

In 1991, he captured the Jim Thorpe Award, validating his reputation as the premier defensive back in the country. But he was more than a shutdown corner — his speed and instincts made him a dangerous punt returner, and he scored multiple defensive touchdowns that swung momentum in FSU’s favor. His jersey number was retired, a permanent reminder that Buckley wasn’t just great, he was generational.

Charlie Ward

The first Heisman Trophy winner in Florida State history, Charlie Ward is remembered not just for what he did, but for how he carried himself. In 1993, he delivered a season for the ages: completing nearly 70% of his passes, throwing for more than 3,000 yards, and tallying 27 touchdowns against only four interceptions. That campaign ended with FSU’s first national championship, a milestone that changed the trajectory of the program forever.

His story is also unique because he doubled as a star point guard for the Seminole basketball team. Balancing two sports at the highest level, he brought poise, leadership, and calm under pressure that became his signature.

His Heisman season was more than individual glory — it was a breakthrough moment for Florida State football, proving that the Seminoles could stand shoulder to shoulder with the nation’s elite.

Chris Weinke

Chris Weinke’s road to stardom didn’t follow the usual script. After a stint in professional baseball, he returned to college football as a 25-year-old freshman, older than many teammates. Yet he quickly proved himself indispensable, becoming one of the most prolific passers in school history. From 1997 to 2000, he threw for nearly 10,000 yards and 79 touchdowns, both school records at the time.

He led Florida State to a perfect season and national title in 1999, then claimed the Heisman Trophy in 2000, making him the oldest winner in the award’s history. That final campaign also saw him lead the nation in passing yards and secure the Davey O’Brien and Johnny Unitas awards. His mix of experience, composure, and arm talent made him a unique figure — a late bloomer who rose to the very top of college football.

Sebastian Janikowski

Nicknames rarely fit as perfectly as “Seabass” did for Sebastian Janikowski. Known for his booming left leg, the Polish-born kicker turned special teams into a weapon at Florida State. Over just three seasons, he scored 324 points, a mark that placed him among the top scorers in school history. Even more impressive, he remains the only kicker to win the Lou Groza Award twice, in 1998 and 1999.

His kickoffs were legendary — often sailing out of the end zone, neutralizing opponents before they had a chance to return the ball. In big games, like the 2000 Sugar Bowl victory over Virginia Tech, his field goals and consistency provided the cushion Florida State needed.

Ron Simmons

When Florida State needed a foundation, Ron Simmons became the foundation. Playing from 1977-1980 as a defensive nose guard under Bobby Bowden, he anchored the defensive line with brute strength and disruptive play. He earned consensus All-American honors in 1979 and 1980, was a key figure in FSU’s ascendance (39-8 record in his tenure), and helped take the Seminoles to back-to-back Orange Bowls in his junior and senior seasons.

What sets he apart isn’t just his stats (though they are impressive: school records for season and career sacks at times, a retired jersey number, and eventual induction into the College Football Hall of Fame).

It’s that he embodied turning-point moments: gritty, interior defensive dominance that few saw because they were buried in trenches. In a program where flashy plays often get the headlines, Simmons was the unsung torque that held games together.

Jameis Winston

In the modern era, few Seminoles have left a mark as large, as immediate, and as controversial as Jameis Winston. Bursting onto the scene in 2013, he as a redshirt freshman quarterback led Florida State to a national championship, posted a 13-0 regular season, and swept almost every major individual award — Heisman, Walter Camp, Davey O’Brien, Manning, AP Player of the Year — declaring himself among college football’s elite overnight.

Over just two seasons, he threw for 7,964 yards and 65 touchdowns, while compiling a 26-1 record as a starter. He set the ACC’s career efficiency record, and his performances in high-stakes games — keep in mind, he was always under the bright lights — cemented his legend in Tallahassee. His jersey has since been retired by FSU, a symbol that his impact is considered permanent.

Warrick Dunn

Warrick Dunn’s Seminole career was a masterclass in balance between consistency, explosiveness, and humility. From 1993 to 1996, he rushed for 3,959 yards and 37 touchdowns on 575 carries, while also catching 132 passes for over 1,300 yards and 12 more scores. He was the first player in FSU history to rush over 1,000 yards in three separate seasons.

Beyond statistics, what stands out is his knack for doing a bit of everything. He wasn’t just the workhorse runner — he was versatile: catching the ball, passing occasionally (halfback option), contributing in special teams, and delivering in big games.

He helped capture the 1993 national title as a freshman. Also, his career average — nearly 7.0 yards per carry over his Seminole tenure — speaks of explosiveness whenever he touched the ball.

E. G. Green

E. G. Green may not always be the first name people recall in FSU lore, but his career demands respect. A dynamic wide receiver from 1993-1997, he had a standout senior year in ‘97: over 1,000 receiving yards (1,059), 11 touchdowns, First-team All-ACC, and a Second-team All-American nod.

He left FSU as the school’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (29), and during his time the Seminoles amassed a record of 56-6-1 — golden years in the program. While his post-college NFL impact was modest compared to some of his teammates, his time in Tallahassee contributed to Florida State’s wide-receiver tradition and its reputation for deep, reliable pass catchers.

LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler is often better known for his NFL career in Green Bay and for inventing the “Lambeau Leap,” but his roots at FSU lay the groundwork for the kind of play that made him famous. At Florida State, he played in the defensive secondary, showing the instincts, speed, and playmaking that later transformed him into one of the NFL’s premier safeties.

But it is not just what he did in the pros; his time at Florida State reflected the same leadership and competitive fire. He was part of the roster that navigated the ACC and national rankings with consistency, and his development there made him ready for the next level.

His later honors in the NFL are often discussed — interceptions, impact plays, Pro Bowls — but to see him as an all-time great Seminole is to appreciate those moments when he was still growing, still sharpening, still embodying the standard.

Danny Kanell

Danny Kanell is one of those players whose brilliance came during critical moments rather than gaudy career totals. A quarterback for FSU in the early-1990s, Kanell had to follow the trail blazed by Charlie Ward, taking snaps at a time when Seminole expectations were high.

Though his NFL career was more journeyman than superstar, at Florida State he delivered in pressure games, earned respect for decision-making, leadership, and for helping bridge eras of great quarterbacks.

His place among FSU legends comes from what he represented: the continuity of high performance, arms-length from the Heisman glitz but deep inside the war-room of coaches’ trust. He may not hold as many record books entries as some others, but he held together teams, made big throws, and left a legacy of being a steady hand when things got tough.

Anquan Boldin

Anquan Boldin’s name rings with durability, toughness, and clutch performance — both at Florida State and in the NFL. At FSU, he was not just another receiver; he was physical, urgent, reliable, someone defenses had to account for every play. His presence forced defensive plans to adjust, open up opportunities for teammates, and deliver when stakes were high.

In college, he showed flashes of what would become his pro trademark: an ability to catch anything thrown his way, make yards after catch, fight through contact, and perform in adverse conditions.

Darnell Dockett

Darnell Dockett arrived in Tallahassee as a promising prospect and quickly became a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. In his first active season (2000), he started the last ten games and posted 66 tackles—leading the team as a freshman—along with 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and relentless pressure on quarterbacks.

With each season, his impact only grew: he broke school records, became a constant target for double-teams, yet still managed to make big plays. By the end of his college career, he had piled up numbers few in FSU history could match—248 tackles, 65 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks.

What distinguished Dockett was his rare blend of raw power and agility, his ability to dismantle interior blocks, plug gaps, and create havoc from the defensive tackle spot. In the biggest games, his presence often dictated how opponents approached their entire game plan.

Andre Wadsworth

Andre Wadsworth was the kind of defensive player who raised the stakes every time he took the field. In his final season with the Seminoles, he became one of the most dominant forces in the country. Named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 1997, he closed his career with around 233 tackles, 23 sacks, and numerous tackles for loss—numbers that placed him immediately among FSU’s all-time greats.

What set him apart was how he finished: explosive, overwhelming, demanding double teams, and still finding ways to create chaos. His dominance was recognized nationally when he became the No. 3 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, the highest draft slot ever for a Seminole at that time.

Jalen Ramsey

If you’re looking for someone who combined youth with instant impact, Jalen Ramsey is the prototype. As a freshman in 2013, he started all 14 games at cornerback—the first true freshman to do so at FSU since Deion Sanders—while helping lead Florida State to the national championship.

Across his three seasons, he produced a balanced stat sheet: interceptions, passes defended, key tackles, forced turnovers, and big returns. By his final year, he was a consensus All-American.

Jordan Travis

Jordan Travis stands out on this list because his legacy is so recent, defined by wins, records, and—unfortunately—a devastating injury that cut short what could have been even greater. In his Seminole career, he played 49 games, started 38, threw for nearly 8,715 yards with 66 touchdowns to 20 interceptions, and added close to 2,000 rushing yards with 31 rushing scores.

In 2023, he emerged not only as the offensive leader but also as a Heisman contender, guiding the team through high-pressure moments with the kind of dual-threat skill set modern football demands—both arm and legs. While the program wrestled with transition, Travis restored belief that FSU could once again compete at the highest level.

Lee Corso

Before becoming the beloved face of college football Saturdays on TV, Lee “Sunshine Scooter” Corso was one of the first multifaceted figures in FSU history. Playing in the 1950s, he contributed on both offense and defense, leaving marks that took decades to be matched.

Among his standout achievements: leading the team in interceptions (14), a school record until Deion Sanders tied it years later; leading in rushing yards one season; and in another, leading in pass completions. He handled offense, defense, and return duties—a level of versatility almost unheard of today.

His legacy isn’t measured by modern stats but by history itself—how he helped forge the Seminoles’ identity as a program that expects its players to do it all. His evolution from player to coach to charismatic broadcaster has kept his name woven deeply into FSU’s story.

Reinard Wilson

Reinard Wilson was the kind of defensive end whose quiet ferocity made offensive tackles think twice before even snapping the ball. Playing at Florida State from 1993 to 1996, he developed into one of the most lethal pass rushers in Seminole history. As a senior in 1996, he led the team with 105 total tackles and 13.5 sacks, earning consensus All-American honors.

Over his collegiate career, he amassed 35.5 sacks, a school record, all while anchoring defenses that backed championship runs — including FSU’s first consensus national title in 1993.

Clay Shiver

Clay Shiver was the unsung anchor of FSU’s offensive line in the early-to-mid 1990s — maybe less flashy than skill position stars, but no less essential. A center and guard, he was part of the 1993 national championship squad, snapping in shotgun for Charlie Ward and giving up just half a sack over 700 snaps that championship season.

He earned the Jacobs Blocking Trophy twice (1994, 1995) as the ACC’s premier blocker, was named a consensus All-American in 1995, and helped FSU’s offense become one of the most efficient in the country. His consistency, toughness, and ability to execute under pressure are what made him a stabilizer in an offense loaded with weapons.

Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook arrived in Tallahassee as a spark plug and left as one of the most productive backs in Seminole history. He burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2014 (1,008 rushing yards) and followed with monster seasons in 2015 (≈1,691 yards) and 2016 (≈1,765 yards), ultimately finishing his FSU career with 4,464 rushing yards and 46 rushing touchdowns.

He broke Warrick Dunn’s long-standing single-season and career rushing marks and delivered a string of game-changing performances — the kind of explosive, north-south runs and broken tackles that turned third-and-long into first downs and bowl nights into highlight reels.

Jamal Reynolds

Jamal Reynolds was a classic game-wrecker off the edge: violent first step, motor that never quit, and a senior season that announced him to the nation. In 2000 he piled up 12 sacks and 58 tackles, earned unanimous All-American honors, and won the Lombardi Award as the country’s top lineman. His pressure was a major ingredient in FSU’s late-90s success — he helped close out the 1999 title run and left Tallahassee as one of the most feared pass rushers of his era.

Marvin Jones

Marvin “Shade Tree” Jones defined old-school linebacker play: sideline-to-sideline range, bone-crushing tackles, and an instinctive nose for the ball. His 1992 campaign was legendary — 111 tackles, the Butkus Award, the Rotary Lombardi Award, consensus All-American honors, and a fourth-place finish in Heisman voting — proof that he wasn’t just dominant among linebackers, he was one of the nation’s premier players that year. His combination of physicality and football IQ made him the fulcrum of a bruising Seminole defense and a lasting standard for future FSU linebackers.

Devonta Freeman

Devonta Freeman is part of the modern Seminole legacy: explosive, versatile, and clutch. Playing from 2011-2013, Freeman led FSU in rushing all three seasons. As a junior in 2013, he broke the 1,000-yard rushing mark (~1,016 yards), the first Seminole to do that since Warrick Dunn in 1996. He also set personal bests in receiving yards and total touchdowns that year, helping guide FSU to the 2014 BCS National Championship.

Even in games where he was sharing carries, Freeman’s burst and ability to contribute as a receiver made him more than just a workhorse runner. He had several highlight performances: back-to-back 100-yard games, key runs in rivalry and bowl settings, and a knack for finding space. His trajectory carried into the NFL, but his time at Florida State cemented him as one of the best in the modern era.

Cam Akers

Cam Akers came into FSU as a heralded recruit and immediately began writing his name into the record book. Over three seasons (2017-2019), he rushed for 2,875 yards on 586 carries (about 4.9 yards per carry), scoring 27 rushing touchdowns, and added receiving production on top of that.

His freshman year, he broke the school’s freshman rushing record with 1,024 yards, surpassing Dalvin Cook’s mark. Big-play ability was a hallmark—long runs, touchdowns, and performances in high-pressure games. By his final season, Akers was one of FSU’s leading offensive threats, respected for vision, speed, and finishing ability.

Although the Seminoles will have a bye this upcoming weekend and won’t see any game action, their focus is already set on September 20, when they’ll host Kent State at home.

Norvell knows that Castellanos has been a key contributor to the team’s current success. In a recent press conference, he highlighted one of the quarterback’s standout qualities.

“Tommy doesn’t have to stand in front of people and say he’s confident,” he said. “Because, once again, anybody can do that. It’s the impact is when you see somebody come out to work, like, what does it look like? What does it feel like? What is he doing whenever it’s not, you know, it’s not even structured. Like, what is he doing on his own? And I think that’s where he’s earned a lot of respect and probably encouraged, inspired, you know, others to continue to ascend to their best level.”

“And, you know, nobody’s perfect. I mean, he has his moments just like anybody does,” Norvell also added. “But it’s like when you collectively as a group, you know, if you see somebody dip a little less than what they’ve been, well, now you can help hold and challenge each other. But I think that’s what, you know, Tommy’s done a great job within his leadership and being able to show that his confidence has been earned. And so, you know, that’s where, as a football team, we’re all continuing to push towards.”

Keeping a steady pace

Building on their statement victory over Alabama, the Florida State Seminoles are focused on maintaining their momentum as they navigate the rest of the college football season.

The win against the Crimson Tide was a massive early-season test, and the Seminoles’ dominant performance sent a clear message to the nation. With their sights set on a College Football Playoff berth, the team knows they must continue to play with the same intensity and execution every week.

Head coach Mike Norvell has emphasized that the goal is not just to win, but to consistently build and improve, ensuring they are at their peak come postseason time.

What’s next for the Seminoles?

With the main goal of staying on track this season, here are the upcoming matchups Florida State will face — keeping in mind they’ll have a bye this coming weekend.

• vs Kent State, September 20
• @ Virginia, September 26
• vs Miami, October 4
• vs Pitt, October 11
• @ Stanford, October 18

Alabama hoped to leave the drama behind after the disappointing 2024 campaign. However, it didn’t make it past the opening week for chaos to break loose in Tuscaloosa. Now, DeBoer and the Crimson Tide are in the eye of the storm.

It might be an exaggeration on the fans’ part, but many believe DeBoer’s seat should be heating up. Of course, it’s much easier said by the students than done by the brass, as it would require a hefty buyout to terminate the head coach’s contract.

Still, DeBoer isn’t letting the outside noise get to him. Instead, the 50-year-old head coach in Tuscaloosa has dropped a bold statement on the football program, despite the string of disappointing results.

“I think we’ve got a really good football, I think we have a good football team that can do some big things still this year,” DeBoer stated during the SEC’s weekly coaches teleconference. “But we’ve got to prove it and we’ve got to go do it. To this point, it’s been just me being able to focus on football, and I appreciate that.”

Unrecognizable

Filling in as head coach after Nick Saban’s exit was never going to be an easy mission. The transition was expected to be rough, but DeBoer’s time has been even more turbulent than envisioned. Now, the Crimson Tide looks nowhere near to the program that dominated the NCAA for over a decade.

College football has changed lots, but that doesn’t take any responsibility off DeBoer and the staff in Tuscaloosa. Alabama had one of the best recruiting classes across the country, but the on-the-field product against Florida State was one that left fans puzzled. The Tide looked lost and, for the first time ever, soft was an adjective fitting for their outing. At least, former quarterback AJ McCarron believes so.

“We as a team are soft up front on both sides of the football,” McCarron said, via The Dynasty podcast. “Absolutely dominated from an offensive line standpoint – and maybe this lights a fire under them or, maybe they don’t care at all — (but Alabama was) absolutely dominated from an O-line standpoint. Extremely soft, no nastiness up front whatsoever, just getting pushed around.”

Plummet

Ranked 8th in the AP Top 25 Poll going into the 2025 NCAA season, Alabama has fallen to the 21st spot after the loss to FSU. It’s the school’s worst ranking in over 17 years. However, this is also the lowest in-season ranking in that span. The last time Bama was outside the top 20 was during the 2008 preseason, when it sat in 24th place.

Since DeBoer took over as head coach, a concerning trend has started to brew in Tuscaloosa. Last season was the first time Bama fell below the 10-win bar set by Saban, and now the Tide has hit another unwanted milestone. It’s becoming unbearable for fans who have grown used to dominating the college football landscape. DeBoer must turn the tide, or the Tide will turn on him irreparably.

If DeBoer and Bama wanted to wipe the slate clean after the 2024 NCAA season, then the Crimson Tide did anything but that. Alabama underperformed tremendously in the first test of the new campaign, and question marks are floating incessantly in Tuscaloosa.

Malzahn and the Seminoles had a plan for when the Tide walked into the Doak. And they pulled it off to perfection. All the talk in the summer paid off as Thomas Castellanos and Florida State blew Alabama out of the water in Tallahassee.

Now, it was Malzahn’s time to rub salt in the wounds, and he did so through social media. “Felt like old times tonight!!” Gus Malzahn wrote on his X, formerly Twitter, account.

Runs deep

It’s no secret Malzahn is a top public enemy in Alabama, and the Crimson Tide are far from a liked program for the offensive coordinator in the Sunshine State. Malzahn may have made his debut at his job position in ‘Tally’, but he’s not new to facing Bama.

Malzahn spent eight seasons as head coach for the Auburn Tigers in the NCAA. During that span, his grudge for the Crimson Tide only grew. As head coach in Auburn, Malzahn had a 3-5 record against Alabama.

Moreover, he watched as the school in Tuscaloosa hoisted college football‘s national championship three times. It won’t be enough to close the wounds, but Saturday’s dominant showing against the Tide could be just what the doctor ordered for Malzahn.

Panic button

Fans in Tuscaloosa can’t help but feel bad about how fast times have changed for the Crimson Tide. Not so long ago, the program was a juggernaut and the team to beat in college football. Now, it seems to have missed its identity.

Kalen DeBoer isn’t on the hot seat, but it’s not getting any cooler either. Embarrassing losses—like the one to Florida State—aren’t doing him any favors. It’s time to turn the page or burn the books entirely. The Tide must change course, or the pressure in Alabama will become unfathomable.

Considered one of the most promising QB’s this season, Castellanos was a key factor in helping Mike Norvell’s squad secure a historic win in Tallahassee. The dual-threat QB completed 9 of his 14 pass attempts for 152 yards, without throwing a single interception.

After sealing a 31–17 victory over one of this season’s top contenders, the team’s on-field leader spoke to the media — and couldn’t hide his emotion following such a massive win.

“There’s a reason why I came here. That’s one of the reasons why I came here, for moments like these and days like these,” Castellanos said. “We got a long season ahead — just take it one week at a time and just keep climbing.”

In addition to his efficient performance through the air, Castellanos finished the game with 16 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown. He never fumbled, showcasing both poise and control in a high-pressure environment.

Silencing the critics

Last season was undoubtedly one to forget for the Seminoles, as they finished with a 2–10 record. As a result, expectations were low heading into this year — but this team showed a burning intensity that silenced the critics ahead of a new College Football campaign.

“It feels great,” Tommy Castellanos said. “I relied on my teammates today, relied on my coaches. They put us in a position to go out there and execute and win. We came together today.

“We heard everything everybody said, we’d seen everything everybody said and we just added that fuel to the fire and we went out there and just played ball together. We went out there together and we executed. That’s it.”

Norvell shows his excitement for Castellanos

Castellanos’ arrival at Florida State was warmly welcomed by his teammates within the program, and head coach Mike Norvell himself expressed great enthusiasm about what the former UCF quarterback can bring to this team moving forward.

“He really is a guy that, when he steps on the field, 10 guys on offense are better, and the guys he’s competing against defensively, they support him and embrace all things that he brings,” Norvell said. “He’s got great energy. But it’s not just what he says. That’s where people can get caught up because he’s somebody who’s not afraid to talk and put thoughts out there.”