Thomas Castellanos walked into a workout session and walked out with a target on his back. The Florida State quarterback’s trash talk about Alabama has college football fans fired up, and not in a good way for the Seminoles.
The transfer quarterback’s bold comments about the Crimson Tide have sparked intense debate across social media, setting up what’s already shaping up to be one of the most heated season openers in recent memory.
What Did Castellanos Say That Got Everyone So Fired Up?
During a workout with other players, in what looks like the Nashville, Tennessee, area, Florida State transfer QB Thomas Castellanos didn’t hold back when he spotted Alabama WR Isaiah Horton.
“Oh, you play with Bama? Listen, y’all boys gonna see,” he said, then doubled down with his most controversial comment. “Them boys coming off 2-10. I just had to install some confidence.”
NEW: FSU QB Thomas Castellanos on Alabama smack talk to Isaiah Horton:
“Oh, you play with Bama? Y’all boys gonna see. …them boys coming off 2-10. I just had to install some confidence.”
(via @WellOffForever) https://t.co/K8bMpI0uNu pic.twitter.com/xy3VfJiOqg
— On3 (@On3sports) July 16, 2025
The video, posted by On3 on X, caught Castellanos in what he claimed was an initial moment meant to motivate his Florida State teammates. He later tried to clarify his approach, explaining, “If you watch any interview, I don’t never [sic] talk like that, bro.. I’m just trying to get my boys ready to go.”
But Castellanos wasn’t done. In a separate interview with On3’s Pete Nakos, he took his confidence to another level. “I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.”
Why Are Fans Calling This Arrogance Instead of Confidence?
The reaction on social media was swift and brutal. College football fans across the country jumped on Castellanos for what they saw as misplaced bravado from an unproven quarterback.
One fan wrote, “This isn’t confidence. This is arrogance.” Another fan didn’t mince words, writing, “This dude just needs to be quiet. He’s accomplished literally nothing.”
The criticism kept coming from multiple angles. One fan predicted, “This dude gonna be benched by week 3,” while another scoffed, “Lmao he’s already walking back his outlandish statements He knows damn well Bama is about to SMACK FSU Week 1.”
However, not everyone was completely dismissive. Some fans saw potential for drama, with one noting, “If FSU comes out with the win after a 2-10 season… man would that shake mountains .” Still, skepticism dominated the conversation, with another fan observing, “Bama on upset alert week 1.”
The harsh reaction stems largely from Castellanos’ unproven status at Florida State, where he’s trying to lead a program that’s coming off a disastrous 2-10 season.
How Did Alabama Respond to the Trash Talk?
Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson didn’t let the comments slide. His response was measured but clear: the Crimson Tide heard everything and plans to respond on the field.
“It definitely ignites us a little bit,” Lawson said, before delivering his own pointed message. “All disrespect will be handled accordingly.”
RELATED: Why QB Thomas Castellanos’ Competitive Temperament Could Make or Break Florida State’s 2025 Season
Lawson kept his remarks brief, but his tone suggested Alabama is ready to back up their response when the teams meet. The Crimson Tide, coming off a strong 2024 season under new coach Kalen DeBoer, now has extra motivation heading into their August 30 matchup in Tallahassee.
What started as a high-profile season opener between two traditional powers has now become something more personal. The stage is set for a clash that will either validate Castellanos’ confidence or make his words look foolish in front of a national audience.
