The Florida State quarterback will not back down from his widely shared remarks about Alabama: “We stand on what I said.”

Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos has doubled down on some bold offseason comments about Alabama, and he isn’t taking them back. During the ACC Kickoff event, Castellanos reaffirmed loudly that “we stand on what I said”—a direct reference to his previous statement that Alabama, without the legendary Nick Saban, “I just don’t see them stopping me.”

Castellanos, a transfer from Boston College, made his original splashy remark in June while previewing FSU’s season opener against Alabama. The comment quickly made waves in Tuscaloosa and across college football. Rather than walking it back, Castellanos leaned into it. He emphasized at ACC media days that there was “no disrespect” intended but made it clear his words reflected confidence in his team and how they’ve prepared this offseason

“They don’t have Nick Saban to save them,” he said. “I just don’t see them stopping me.” When asked about that again, he replied, “We stand on what I said. There’s no disrespect … It’s just confidence in my teammates and the way we’ve prepared.”

That kind of bold talk from FSU—coming off a dismal 2–10 season in 2024—caught everyone’s attention. Castellanos admitted it wasn’t just bravado; it was part of a plan to raise energy, change the tone in the locker room, and motivate his teammates ahead of a new era

Florida State’s new coaching staff under Mike Norvell welcomed the confidence. Castellanos explained later that “we’re trying to get my boys ready to go” and “make it the biggest game possible”  Teammates backed him up—DT Darrell Jackson Jr. said he sent a quick text: “I got your back.” And DB Earl Little Jr. praised the confidence boost, saying it ignites their belief

Coach Norvell also spoke highly of Castellanos at ACC media days. He said the QB’s boldness, leadership, and desire to own a new culture are exactly what the program needed. “I don’t want a team full of sidekicks,” Norvell stated. “I want guys that grasp it, hold it, push it, step for it … and that’s what I believe I’m seeing.”

Of course, not everyone agreed. In Alabama’s camp, linebacker Deontae Lawson admitted that they took notice. He said it “ignites us a little,” but also emphasized that on-field performance, preparation, and execution are what determine the real outcome  The message was clear: those sounds and hype fuel the fire, but results will speak louder come August 30 in Tallahassee.

Castellanos isn’t just stirring emotion. He’s also making a statement about what Florida State is building. They brought in Holt-specific talent: Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, Castellanos to lead, plus players like Jackson Jr. and Little Jr. returning to form. They’re promising a new identity—relentless, confident, physical  Castellanos’s fire is meant to set a new tone after one of the worst seasons in FSU history.

His path lends context to everything he’s saying. Castellanos came from a sensational 2023 at Boston College (2,248 passing yards, 1,113 rushing yards, 28 total TDs), to a tougher 2024 that saw him lose the starting job and transfer  His bold words now are his way of modeling confidence and accountability—starting with himself.

Alabama, meanwhile, enters the game as a heavy favorite—about 13.5-point favorites according to current odds They went 9–4 last year under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer and are aiming to return to playoff contention . But Alabama also knows they can’t let a few aggressive words dictate their performance. They’ll treat this challenge professionally and focus on execution.

The buildup to this season opener is dynamic. FSU is leaning into its bold quarter, energized locker room, new offensive scheme. Meanwhile, Alabama is staying focused and hungry. It’s a classic tension: audacious youth versus steadfast powerhouse.

For Castellanos, it’s more than just words. It’s a promise he’s planting early and preparing to back up. “We stand on what I said.” The quarterback is holding himself and his team accountable to that statement—no second-guessing, no retreat. It’s a signal that FSU is ready to compete, and they want everybody to know it.

The real test comes August 30. That’s when words turn into results, hype meets execution, and the dual legacy of both programs will be on display. For Castellanos, the goal is simple: silence doubt, energize his team, and seize a statement win.

If Florida State delivers in front of a national audience, the offseason jab could echo as a turning point. If not, it’ll be remembered as talk that didn’t walk.

One thing is clear: Castellanos and the Seminoles are locked into their message. “We stand on what I said.” It’s more than confidence—it’s a challenge to themselves, Alabama, and every fan watching. And come Week 1, that challenge will be answered.