Earlier this week, Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos stirred controversy with bold remarks about the team’s Week 1 matchup, sparking backlash from Alabama fans, national analysts, and even a former FSU quarterback—only fueling the anticipation for the showdown.
The latest to chime in is former Alabama running back and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, now a co-host of the Triple Option Podcast.
“Good for him. Let him talk. As an athlete, you’re supposed to have confidence—you’re supposed to be a dog,” Ingram said. “Let him say what he wants, and let those boys at Alabama make him pay for it.”
Castellanos, who transferred from Boston College in the offseason, hopes to lead the Seminoles back from a disastrous 2-10 season. However, many believe his comments have only served to motivate Alabama—a team looking to rebound from a 9-4 campaign in 2024—even more with the matchup still over two months away.
“Bama’s coming with a vengeance this season,” Ingram added. “We need to bounce back, and now there’s even more fuel on the fire—something to hang up in the locker room. Believe me, they’ll use it.”
Alabama enters the post-Saban era this year, and Castellanos didn’t shy away from taking shots, saying he had “always dreamed of playing Alabama” but now felt “they’re not the same without Nick Saban” and boldly claimed, “I don’t think they can stop me.”
The game is set for August 30 at 3:30 p.m., with Alabama currently favored by 12.5 points. When kickoff arrives, Castellanos will get the chance to turn his words into action and potentially lead Florida State to a season-defining win.
“He says he’s been dreaming of this moment,” Ingram said. “We’ll find out soon enough if it’s a dream—or a nightmare.”