Alabama Fans React to Thomas Castellanos' Over Controversial Comments
Alabama Fans React to Thomas Castellanos' Over Controversial Comments originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Alabama Crimson Tide were not themselves last season.
For the first time since 2007 — their second season of a dominant 17-year stretch under head coach Nick Saban — Alabama failed to win ten games. Although unprecedented in the program's last decade of performance, it was still a successful season regarding the standards of nearly every other FBS team.
Advertisement
Alabama went 9-4, tallied three ranked wins, and took down the Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl, 28-14. However, one offensive leader believes Alabama's best days are behind them and is counting down the days until he gets to take the field against the Tide.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer.John David Mercer-Imagn Images
On Monday, Florida State Seminoles transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos made headlines for his thoughts on his team's season opener against Alabama.
"They don't have Nick Saban to save them. I just don't see them stopping me," said Castellanos per ON3's Pete Nakos.
Castellanos calls playing Alabama a "dream" but expects a big showing against the 15-time national championship-winning program. Florida State will face the SEC power in Tallahassee in the season opener.
Advertisement
Naturally, Alabama fans found it odd for Castellanos to expect a strong outing against the Crimson Tide. Last season, Florida State won just two games. Meanwhile, Castellanos-led teams are 9-10 in games in which he has thrown at least ten passes.
"Daydreaming, Tommy couldn't even keep the starting QB spot at UCF," said one fan about Castellanos, who is playing for his third school in four years.
Another fan suggested that Alabama will win in a blowout, saying, "Alabama alt spread -39.5."
"This guy threw for 1366 yards last year, lol," one fan pointed out about Castellanos' lackluster passing stats last season.
Advertisement
One neutral fan suggested Castellanos not make enemies this summer, saying, "I don't think giving them bulletin board material is the greatest of ideas."
Lastly, one fan had a simple one-word response, saying, "Who?"
Castellanos transferred to FSU after spending the past two seasons with the Boston College Golden Eagles. He tossed 33 touchdowns against 19 interceptions in 21 games while rushing for 1,307 yards and 14 scores.
Related: Nick Saban Does Something He's Never Done Before at Alabama
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why Mercury should explore DeWanna Bonner homecoming after Fever breakup
The post Why Mercury should explore DeWanna Bonner homecoming after Fever breakup appeared first on ClutchPoints. Is a homecoming on the rise for current disgruntled Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner? It's certainly a possibility, and according to Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, the Atlanta Dream and the Phoenix Mercury are her preferred teams. Advertisement Why would this be, though? After Bonner signed with the Fever in the offseason, she was set to be a pivotal part of the team's championship aspirations. She has the credentials, experience, and mental toughness. Fast forward to late June, and the All-Star forward wants no part of Indiana. On Tuesday, it was official that Bonner doesn't plan to return to the Fever. Circling back to the Mercury, though, is it a possibility for a homecoming? If that's the case, there are a multitude of factors involved in a return. Bonner can return to where it all started with the Mercury © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images In the 2009 WNBA Draft, Phoenix selected the former Auburn basketball standout with the fifth overall pick. Her rookie season was one to remember, and one that laid the foundation for her career. Advertisement During that rookie season, the Mercury captured their second WNBA championship in franchise history. While Diana Taurasi spearheaded the success, Bonner, off the bench, was a major beneficiary. So much so that she won three consecutive Sixth Player of the Year awards (2009-11), her ability as a stretch-big wasn't seen at the WNBA level, and it was one that caught many by surprise. As her career progressed, she became a full-time starter and made an even more incredible impact. In the 2015 season, she was awarded her first All-WNBA selection. However, four years later, she ended up with the Connecticut Sun, alongside her current fiancée, Alyssa Thomas. That could be a lingering storyline for some to eat up like a Thanksgiving feast. However, as Thomas said in her introductory press conference, she and Bonner are both their own players. They can make their own decisions, regardless of any speculation that they want to be together during the regular season. The Mercury might not want DeWanna Bonner This saying has been repeated multiple times, and it holds true: 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' Advertisement That sentiment is the current state of the Mercury. Their 11-4 record, and the trio of Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, and Thomas, have been exceptional. Despite the trio's achievements, they haven't played many games together. Rather, it's the culture, defense, and the rookies – who aren't really rookies – stepping up to the plate. Players like Monique Akoa Makani, Kathryn Westbeld, Lexi Held, and Kitija Laksa have all played overseas and have excelled. That excellence has translated to the WNBA rather seamlessly. Westbeld and Makani are two of the starters. Adding Bonner to the mix could push Westbeld to the bench, as both play center. Advertisement Another option could be sending the Cameroonian guard to the bench, and having Copper run the point, while including Westbeld and Bonner in the same starting unit. This might be a risk the front office is not willing to make. Even though she's had a storied career, harming what is brewing could turn the potion of success into one of disaster. Either way, time isn't on Phoenix's side. As Costabile's article said, Bonner is also interested in the Dream. The writing was on the wall for Bonner to leave the Fever. Now, it's about finding the right fit, and that might be back in the Valley of the Sun. Related: Why Kahleah Copper is comparing Mercury to Sky championship team Related: Kahleah Copper gives Mercury teammates their flowers after breaking 3-point record
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Megan McConnell, TJ McConnell's sister, goes down 2 days after joining Mercury
The post Megan McConnell, TJ McConnell's sister, goes down 2 days after joining Mercury appeared first on ClutchPoints. Just days after making her WNBA rookie debut, Phoenix Mercury guard Megan McConnell received devastating news. The younger sister of NBA guard TJ McConnell suffered a right knee injury in her first game that will keep her sidelined for at least three to four weeks. Advertisement The Mercury signed McConnell to make up for the hits the team's roster took due to injury. Major offseason signee Alyssa Thomas joined fellow stars Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack on the injury report due to a calf issue, creating a need for Phoenix to utilize the hardship contract option. The organization turned to McConnell, who went undrafted in 2025. McConnell appeared in two preseason games for the Mercury at around ten minutes per game. She averaged 3.0 points while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from the 3-point line. In the 88-65 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, McConnell put up three points, three assists, and one rebound in 13 minutes. Before joining the Mercury, the 23-year-old made a name for herself in five standout years at Duquesne, averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 boards, and 4.6 assists per contest. Related: Why Lexi Held feels 'lucky' with Mercury Related: Pacers' TJ McConnell wears sister's WNBA jersey before NBA Finals
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Mercury waives TJ McConnell's sister Megan after injury
The post Mercury waives TJ McConnell's sister Megan after injury appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Phoenix Mercury have waived Megan McConnell, who was signed to a contract in early June. On Thursday, the news became official after McConnell sustained a tibial plateau fracture. McConnell got injured during an 88-65 Mercury loss to the Minnesota Lynx on June 3. Advertisement McConnell had to leave the game early after only playing for 13 minutes. In the process, she scored three points, dished out three assists, and had a rebound to her name. The younger sister of Indiana Pacer TJ McConnell grew up in a basketball family. They have two aunts, Suzie McConnell-Serio and Kathy McConnell-Miller, who became players and coaches. Their uncle, Tom McConnell, was also a college basketball coach at Indiana University Pennsylvania. Later on, she had a standout college career. She played at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While there, McConnell set records in assists (660), steals (370), games played (144), games started (136), and triple-doubles (4). In addition, she was a two-time Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team selection and won the 2025 Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year. Advertisement McConnell's prospects for the future are unknown. Even though she was not drafted, the Mercury took a chance on McConnell during a treacherous period. The string of injuries affecting the Mercury Despite an 11-4 record, the Mercury have been hobbled by injuries this year. So in truth, McConnell was not an isolation incident. Key players including Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Natasha Mack had to power through injuries. In May, Copper had to undergo left knee arthroscopy and missed 4-6 weeks. That same month, Thomas sustained a calf injury. In mid June, Mack was hobbled with a back injury. On Thursday, guard Lexi Held was diagnosed with a pneumothorax lung injury. Advertisement The entire context of injuries has forced the Mercury to change rotations, rely on their bench, and to sign undrafted rookies such as McConnell. Yet, the Mercury remain in 2nd place behind the Lynx in the Western Conference. Related: Why Mercury should explore DeWanna Bonner homecoming after Fever breakup
