The showdown will have plenty of drama.
Thomas Castellanos Walks Back Alabama Trash Talk After Being Confronted by Star WR originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Florida State Seminoles and Alabama Crimson Tide last played each other in 2017, with Nick Saban earning a 24-7 victory.
Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos threw shade at Alabama by stating that Saban was not around to save them anymore. Castellanos joked around with Crimson Tide wideout Isaiah Horton at a workout, but the Alabama star was not phased.
"Oh, you play with Bama? Castellanos joked. "Listen, y’all boys gonna see."
It did not take long for Castellanos to backtrack on his comments, stating that he was simply trying to motivate his teammates in a video with some NSFW audio.
Florida State is coming off a 2-10 season under head coach Mike Norvell.
“On the real, though. If you watch any interview, I don’t never talk like that, bro,” Castellanos said. “But them boys coming off a 2-10. I just had to install some confidence. You feel me? That’s all I’m trying to do. That’s all I’m trying to do. I’m just trying to get some confidence. Like, I’m trying to get my boys ready to go. You feel me? I’m trying to make it the biggest stage. Yeah, I’m trying to make it the biggest stage.”
Both Castellanos and Horton are new to their respective programs by way of the transfer portal. Horton previously played for the Miami Hurricanes from 2022-24, and Castellanos was with the Boston College Eagles from 2022-24.
The trash talk has sparked a response from some former Alabama players, including 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram II. Ingram thanked Castellanos for giving the Crimson Tide some bulletin board material before the game.
Urban Meyer also weighed in on the pluses of having an angry team at practice following Castellanos' words.
Alabama and Florida State can settle their differences on the gridiron on August 30. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Related: David Pollack Weighs in on Nick Saban Coaching Rumors
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
