Overview
- Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos told On3 that without former coach Nick Saban he “just don’t see them stopping me” in the Aug. 30 opener.
- The Seminoles and Crimson Tide will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Aug. 30 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
- Castellanos transferred after being benched at Boston College and arrives to lead a Florida State team rebuilding under coach Mike Norvell.
- Under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama went 9-4 in 2024, losing to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl and suffering its first loss to Vanderbilt in 40 years.
- Alabama players including Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, Kelby Collins and Lebbeus T. Overton responded with emojis on social media, signaling confidence ahead of the season opener.