Current and former Alabama players react to nonsensical Thomas Castellanos comments

If you weren't already fired up for football season, then Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos corrected that on Monday by bumping off by the gums about Alabama and the season opener at the end of August.

Castellanos was quoted by On3's Pete Nakos as saying this about the Crimson Tide:

"They don't have Nick Saban to save them. I just don't see them stopping me."

It's a bold move to provide bulletin board material to Alabama two months before the game. Both Alabama and Florida State have much to prove in 2025, coming off of disappointing seasons, although that disappointment is relative, as the Tide still won nine games while FSU limped to a 2-10 season that followed an unbeaten regular season in 2023.

To their credit, even 'Noles fans didn't seem all that thrilled with Castellanos' comments:

It was inevitable that his comments would quickly find their way to Tuscaloosa. Social media always ensures that word carries quickly.

Alabama players seem fired up about Thomas Castellanos' comments

Ty Simpson and Austin Mack - two of the three QBs competing to start against Florida State in Tallahassee - made sure to note that they had seen the post by "liking" it.

Florida transfer Kelby Collins and returning star DL LT Overton took it a step forward by commenting on the post. They'll have opportunities to get up close and personal with Castellanos when the two meet on the field.

5-star LB recruit Xavier Griffin, who is considering both Alabama and Florida State as he nears his decision date, commented with a laughing emoji. That's probably not a great sign for FSU's chances with the blue-chipper.

A former Alabama player got in on the action, too with Damien Harris posting the below to his X account:

It is unusual for opposing players to be so bold with their comments about the Crimson Tide. Historically, it hasn't ended well for those who have provided Alabama with bulletin board material, but this is a new era of Crimson Tide football, and last season's struggles opened them up for this kind of talk.

For Kalen DeBoer, year two is about getting Alabama back to the standard and proving that the dynasty didn't die with Nick Saban's retirement.

Alabama already had plenty of motivation for the season opener at Doak Campbell Stadium. I'm sure DeBoer and the coaching staff are thankful for a little extra, though.

This is a pivotal year for DeBoer, and he has the roster to seriously challenge for a National Championship. He can ill-afford an early-season slip-up to a team that won two games last year.