Florida State football made a big move in the offseason with hiring UCF head football coach Gus Malzahn to be its next offensive coordinator. The Seminoles lacked an identity on offense during the 2024 season, where the rushing attack ranked as one of the last in the FBS.
However, that should not be a problem for Florida State in 2025, as the Knights under Malzahn averaged 248.1 rushing yards per game. While I am not suggesting that the Seminoles go from one of the worst to one of the best in one season, I do have faith that they can find success in the ground game.
With that said, it all starts with having a solid passing attack to ensure that the team can rush efficiently. Florida State picked up dual-threat quarterback transfer Thomas Castellanos, who is known to use his legs in 2023 and gave head football coach Mike Norvell gray hairs in the times that he has played the Georgia native.
I know that some fans focus on Castellanos getting benched in 2024 when he was paired with first-year Bill O'Brien. However, the Eagles did not seem to utilize his skill set appropriately and tried to make him into a pro-style passer.
One of the best quarterbacks to play in the Malzahn system is former signal-caller Nick Marshall. During his 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Tigers, he recorded 4,508 passing yards with 34 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also had 1,866 rushing yards with 23 rushing touchdowns.
I realize that Marshall made it to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game versus Florida State. However, Castellanos had 3,614 passing yards with 33 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in two seasons with Boston College. He also had 1,307 rushing yards with 14 rushing touchdowns.
This could be a match made in Heaven for Coach Malzahn to be reunited with Castellanos in Tallahassee. Could that lead to the turnaround that the Seminoles need for the 2025 season?