Thomas Castellanos landing at Florida State is a much-needed addition for the Noles. The former Boston College quarterback comes to Tallahassee seeking a fresh start. After starting for nearly two years in Chestnut Hill, Castellanos will wear the Garnet and Gold in 2025. With FSU finishing 2-10 in 2024, the Seminoles could be headed in the right direction next season.
Castellanos will certainly be an upgrade from DJ Uiagalelei. Make no mistake, DJU just was not the answer that FSU needed. Mike Norvell would have been better off starting Brock Glenn or Luke Kromenhoek for all of 2024. Replacing Jordan Travis was no easy task. But after a 13-1 season in 2023, FSU had high expectations. However, DJU, and the program as a whole underperformed heavily in 2024. As a result, FSU finished with its worst record since 2020. That was Norvell’s first year in which Florida State finished 3-6.
What does Thomas Castellanos bring to Florida State football for 2025? His dynamic passing ability and ability to gain yards on the ground will benefit FSU heavily. In 2024, Castellanos passed for 1,366 yards with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. Granted, his QBR was 38.1, which was 112th in college football. Looking beyond that, though, Castellanos has the tangibles to fit perfectly in this offense.
With former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn being the Noles’ offensive coordinator in 2025, the former BC starter has the chance to thrive. Malzahn is known for developing solid quarterbacks. Players such as Bo Nix, Cam Newton and Dillon Gabriel were all coached by Malzahn at some point.
While Castellanos might not be the best option out there that FSU could have brought in, the potential is there for the senior to bring FSU back to college football relevancy. He won’t provide Heisman worthy numbers, but his decision-making and awareness as a signal caller will give Florida State a veteran under center.
The Seminoles currently have the seventh-best transfer portal class. Of the 13 commits, notable offensive lineman Micah Pettus from Ole Miss and Adrian Medley from UCF will provide Castellanos protection up front. To give the new FSU quarterback more pass-catchers, the Noles are bringing in former tight end Markeston Douglas and former USC wideout Duce Robinson.
Adding these players through the portal should give Castellanos the resources he needs within the offense to go win a significant number of games in 2025. One aspect of his game that stands out is his ability to run the ball out of the pocket. In 2023, Castellanos rushed for 1,113 yards and 13 touchdowns at BC. If Castellanos can replicate those stats, FSU will be in great hands at the quarterback position.
A major comparison from Castellanos to DJU is Castellanos’ ability to push the ball down the field. In 2024, Florida State struggled to effectively throw the ball down field for 25+ yard gains. With Castellanos coming in and Malzahn running the offense, that should change. Overall, Thomas Castellanos will prove to be a major upgrade at quarterback for FSU in 2025, with the potential for the Noles to get back into the college football spotlight.