Quarterback
This is the big one. This is the first position I’d nail if I were Mike Norvell. If a team has the right quarterback, it changes things drastically. Thomas Castellanos was never my first choice, and he was what he was.
He played hard and gave FSU a chance to win some games they lost. They could have won against UVA and Pittsburgh if the defense had any heart.
However, he was turnover-prone, inaccurate as a passer, and missed too many reads to be as effective as he could have been.
He was not the leader this program needs, and he didn’t play well enough to be the leader this team needs, even if he had the right attitude.
His poor play didn’t command respect from his teammates, and it’s why we continue to have a program that’s not led by the players.
A football program usually takes on the mentality of its quarterback. Castellanos talked a good game, but rarely backed it up when he had the opportunities. Do you remember how players wanted to make plays for Jordan Travis and Jameis Winston?
The defense wanted to get stops so the offense could go back out and score points. FSU needs a quarterback who can produce and command that type of respect. That’s the first step to making this program a player-led team again.
Some folks will say FSU needs to develop Kevin Sperry. I agree with that, but I wouldn't go into the 2026 season with him as the starter because he hardly has any experience. FSU must win ASAP and they must find whoever gives them the best chance to do that for 2026.