Thomas Castellanos Transfers to Florida State, Reunites with Gus Malzahn

Thomas Castellanos Transfers to Florida State, Reunites with Gus Malzahn

In a move that’s already making waves in the college football world, former Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos has officially committed to Florida State. Castellanos made the announcement Wednesday night via social media, and it’s safe to say this is a major win for the Seminoles and head coach Mike Norvell.

Castellanos, who has one year of eligibility remaining, left Boston College after losing his starting job late in the 2024 season. His decision to join Florida State not only gives the Seminoles a much-needed boost at quarterback but also reunites him with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who previously coached Castellanos during his time at UCF. This reunion could be the spark both Castellanos and the Seminoles need heading into the 2025 season.

A Rollercoaster Journey at Boston College

Castellanos’ time at Boston College was nothing short of eventful. After transferring from UCF following the 2022 season, the 5-foot-9, 196-pound quarterback from Waycross, Georgia, quickly made his mark. In 2023, he became the first player in Boston College history to record 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. That year, he threw for 2,248 yards with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while adding 1,113 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, leading the Eagles to a 7-6 record.

However, the 2024 season brought new challenges. Under first-year head coach Bill O’Brien, Castellanos initially retained his starting role and guided the Eagles to a promising 3-1 start. But as the season progressed, it became clear that Castellanos wasn’t a natural fit in O’Brien’s offensive system. The team stumbled, losing three of their next four games, and Castellanos’ performance began to dip. His completion percentage fell below 50% in his final two games before he was replaced by junior Grayson James during a 37-31 win over Syracuse on November 9.

Just a few days later, Castellanos announced his decision to leave the program. “Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, even though it’s sooner than I would like,” Castellanos wrote in a statement posted to X on November 14. “I will trust in God and his plan for me on my journey.”

Why Florida State Makes Sense

For Florida State, Castellanos’ arrival couldn’t come at a better time. The Seminoles are coming off a disastrous 2-10 season in 2024, during which they struggled mightily at the quarterback position. Transfer passer DJ Uiagalelei was benched just five games into his debut season, leaving redshirt freshman Brock Glenn and true freshman Luke Kromenhoek to split starting duties for the remainder of the year. Kromenhoek, who was ESPN’s No. 159 overall prospect and the No. 7 pocket passer in the 2024 class, has already entered the transfer portal, leaving the Seminoles with a glaring hole at quarterback.

Enter Castellanos, a proven dual-threat quarterback with a history of success under Gus Malzahn. Florida State’s offense, which ranked dead last nationally in total offense in 2024 (270.3 yards per game), is set to undergo a major overhaul under Malzahn. Castellanos’ ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs could be exactly what the Seminoles need to turn things around.

What’s Next for Castellanos and the Seminoles?

Looking ahead, Castellanos will have a clear path to the starting job in 2025. With Uiagalelei gone and Kromenhoek in the transfer portal, the competition will likely come down to Castellanos and incoming four-star recruit Kevin Sperry, who signed with the Seminoles during the early signing period last week. Sperry, ranked No. 132 in the 2025 ESPN 300, is a talented prospect, but Castellanos’ experience and versatility should give him the edge.

For Florida State fans, the addition of Castellanos is a reason for optimism. After a tough 2024 season, the Seminoles are clearly making moves to get back on track. And for Castellanos, this is a chance to prove himself on a bigger stage and potentially lead one of college football’s most storied programs back to relevance.

Key Takeaways

• Thomas Castellanos, a dual-threat quarterback, has committed to Florida State after leaving Boston College.
• Castellanos reunites with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who previously coached him at UCF.
• Florida State is looking to bounce back from a 2-10 season and ranked last nationally in total offense in 2024.
• Castellanos has a clear path to the starting job in 2025, with the Seminoles in need of stability at quarterback.

It’s a fresh start for both Castellanos and Florida State, and all eyes will be on Tallahassee to see how this partnership unfolds. Can Castellanos help the Seminoles rise again? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this is a story worth watching.