In February, we why Thomas Castellanos could make FSU fans excited and nervous this season. In April, we wrote that Thomas Castellanos had a trait that could be a difference-maker for FSU in 2025.
As we’ve gone through two games in the 2025 season and even before, it’s evident that Thomas Castellanos is a leader of men. That was the trait mentioned that could be a difference-maker, but it’s the other part that is what makes this thing go.
The other part is his performance on the field and decision-making. It’s been said many times that players can be vocal all day, but players won’t respect it if the work and production don’t match up.
One of the things we pointed out in the excited and nervous piece was areas that Castellanos could improve as a player. He has awesome physical gifts, but it was his decision-making that left a lot to desire. It could have been that he felt he didn’t have enough talent around him at Boston College. Some comments he made this summer would support that.
Must Read: Reasons To Be Excited and Nervous About Thomas Castellanos in 2025
It could be that he trusted himself too much at times, which led to bad play. FSU has more overall talent than Boston College, and that’s something Castellanos alluded to this summer. That solves some of the problems he had at his former spot. However, it has been his improved decision-making that’s made it all work at a high level.
Castellanos has been smart with the ball, throwing it out of bounds when there’s nobody open. He hasn’t taken any bad sacks that were a result of him trying to extend a play, but winding up losing 20 yards. He hasn't made poor passes that resulted in turnovers. He has taken what he can get with his legs and avoided taking huge shots from opposing defenders trying to take him out.
One thing we’ve heard Coach Mike Norvell say is that Castellanos needs to play within himself and not do too much. The message has hit home, and the results have been amazing. If there was a game that he’d try to do too much, it would have been the Alabama game after all that he said over the summer. The fact that he stayed calm and did what the coaches asked is a great sign for the rest of the season. Most fans only look at the box scores or highlights, but it’s the little things, like making smart decisions over and over, that provide those opportunities.