They say all is fair in love and war... and these days college football.
And there's plenty of trash talk to go with it.
In a recent summer interview with On3, new Florida State transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos had some choice words for the Alabama Crimson Tide, a team the Seminoles will face August 30 in their season opener.
“I’m excited, man,” he told On3. “People, I don’t know if they know, but you go back and watch every first game that I played in, we always start fast. I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.”
Florida State is coming off a disastrous 2-10 season in which it had to replace a majority of its production from a team that went 13-1.
Part of the program's necessary facelift this offseason was an upgrade at quarterback.
And Castellanos should embody that.
The former Boston College Eagles star threw for 1,366 yards and 18 touchdowns with just five interceptions last season, but missed significant time due to injuries.
In his 2023 campaign, Castellanos threw for 2,248 yards and 15 touchdowns with an additional 1,113 yards and 13 scores rushing, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in America.
If the talented athlete can return to that level of production in Tallahassee, Florida State should have a successful season.
But "successful season" and "so good Alabama can't stop me" are two very different things.
Last year, the Crimson Tide ended a 16-year streak of double-digit win seasons, finishing 9-4.
This year, Alabama has an over/under win total of 9.5, while Florida State sits at 7.5.
In other words, Castellanos will have to be a revelation to back up his words about Kalen DeBoer's program.
He's certainly capable, but his choice of words may lead to a tongue-lashing from Mike Norvell.