Thomas Castellanos walks back trash talk when he's face to face with Alabama player

New Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos had a viral moment this offseason when he made some pointed remarks about Alabama, providing plenty of bulletin board material for Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide.

Alabama opens the season against Florida State in Tallahassee, a game most pundits aren't giving the Seminoles much of a shot in.

Castellanos doesn't buy that, and doesn't buy that this is the same Alabama from before. He stated that Alabama "wouldn't have Nick Saban to save them," and he didn't believe this version of the Crimson Tide could stop him.

The remarks elicited some responses from Alabama players, both current and former. Now, just a few weeks later, Castellanos is walking those comments back. He came face to face with Alabama WR Isaiah Horton recently, and his tone was much different than the comments he made to the media in June:

(Warning: the below video features some swearing, in case you're reading/watching at work)

Castellanos excuses his comments as just trying to hype his team up. The 'Noles are coming off a 2-10 season a year ago, and could certainly use an injection of confidence heading into a pivotal 2025 for Mike Norvell and company.

Honestly, this video just makes Castellanos look worse. Was it foolish to talk trash to Alabama two months before kick-off? Absolutely. Should you give your opponent more of a reason to want to dominate you and your team? No! But you said it, so stand on those words. Don't walk it back the first moment you come face to face with a Tide player.

Castellanos probably wishes he could take those words back

Nick Saban may not be at Alabama anymore, but Kane Wommack's defense was much better than anyone gave it credit for a year ago. The Tide's defense in 2024 was statistically the best defense in Tuscaloosa since the 2017 National Championship team.

That defense returns nine starters from a year ago and has added quality depth to all three levels. Castellanos will provide a unique challenge with his dual-threat ability, but Alabama will look to put pressure on him early and often.

Florida State's offensive line was a total mess last season, and while they added some talent, they have virtually zero continuity up front, and it could be a long afternoon in Doak Campbell for Castellanos.

That was probably going to be the case whether he talked trash or not, but he certainly hasn't done himself any favors.