Florida State vs Florida: Tommy Castellanos Eyes Return After Season Finale Loss
FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos remains hopeful about returning for another season after the Seminoles fell to Florida 40-21 in their rivalry matchup, ending a disappointing 5-7 campaign.
Florida State vs Florida Rivalry Takes New Turn as Quarterback Awaits Eligibility Decision
The Florida State vs Florida rivalry game ended in disappointment for the Seminoles once again, with a 40-21 loss in Gainesville on November 29, 2025. However, the storyline extending beyond the scoreboard centers on quarterback Tommy Castellanos and his uncertain future with the program.
Despite the season-ending defeat that left Florida State with a 5-7 record and no bowl game, Castellanos made it crystal clear where he wants to play football next year—if given the opportunity.
"I'll be here at Florida State if I can," Castellanos stated after the game. The senior quarterback is currently awaiting a decision on an NCAA eligibility appeal that could grant him a fifth year of college football.
Why Tommy Castellanos Needs an Extra Year
Castellanos finds himself in eligibility limbo due to circumstances from his time at UCF in 2022. The quarterback appeared in five games that season, including the AAC championship game, burning his redshirt year when the Knights faced injuries at the quarterback position.
Now, with a new NCAA eligibility rule in place, Castellanos is appealing for another season. After playing two years at Boston College before transferring to Florida State, he's hoping the governing body will grant him one more opportunity to wear the garnet and gold.
The quarterback has been adamant that if his appeal succeeds, Florida State is his only destination. "I told the guys the other day, win, lose, or draw, I'm living my dream," Castellanos explained. "Florida State is my dream school, playing quarterback is what five-year-old Castellanos always wanted to do."
Florida State vs Florida: Breaking Down Castellanos' Performance
Despite the lopsided final score in the Florida State vs Florida matchup, Castellanos believes he delivered his best performance of the season. He completed 17 of 28 passes for 249 yards with one interception while also leading the team in rushing with 77 yards and a touchdown.
The dual-threat quarterback finished the 2025 season with career-best numbers: 2,760 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His QBR of 70.8 ranked 34th nationally, showing growth during his first year with the Seminoles.
"I just think I probably have to improve on just being a better me," Castellanos reflected on his development. "I think there are times, like I think the Miami game, I kind of had a couple errors or mental mistakes, but other than that, I think I fight, I play hard, I play winning football."
The Bright Side: Offensive Weapons Returning for Florida State
While the Florida State vs Florida game marked the end of a forgettable 5-7 season, Castellanos sees reasons for optimism if he returns. The Seminoles have several key offensive pieces coming back that factored into his decision to potentially stay.
Wide receiver Lawayne McCoy emerged as a breakout star in the season finale, posting a career-high 117 receiving yards and a touchdown on six catches against the Gators. Castellanos praised the sophomore receiver extensively.
"Lawayne is, if not the best, one of the best receivers on this team," the quarterback said. "Just the whole package-wise, route running, catching the football. I think he showed them what he can do here at the end, but I think next year will be a big year for him."
Beyond McCoy, Florida State returns 1,000-yard receiver Duce Robinson, emerging talent Micahi Danzy who's having a breakout season in his first year as a receiver, and Jayvan Boggs, who's been hampered by injuries but returns for his sophomore season.
The main concern? The Seminoles must replace their entire starting offensive line, which could prove challenging for offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and head coach Mike Norvell.
Florida State's Disappointing Season and Road Ahead
The Florida State vs Florida loss capped a season that began with promise after the Seminoles shocked Alabama 31-17 in the opener. FSU started 3-0 before ACC play exposed significant weaknesses on both sides of the ball.
The Seminoles went just 2-7 in conference play, suffering losses to Virginia (46-38 in double overtime), Miami (28-22), Pittsburgh (34-31), Stanford (20-13), Clemson (24-10), and NC State (21-11) before the season-ending defeat to Florida.
Head coach Mike Norvell faces mounting pressure entering the offseason, with questions about roster construction, portal strategy, and whether the program can return to its 2023 form when FSU went undefeated in the regular season.
Castellanos, however, remains optimistic about the program's trajectory despite the difficult year.
"That's why I say next year and this offseason just having like knowing that those are your guys and just geling together and meshing them well," he said. "I think they'll be pretty good next year."
What Tommy Castellanos' Return Would Mean
If Castellanos receives approval for a fifth year of eligibility and returns to Florida State, it could create a domino effect for the program's offseason plans.
Having an experienced quarterback already in place might encourage other players to return rather than enter the transfer portal or declare for the NFL Draft. Robinson, who surpassed 1,000 receiving yards this season, could be more inclined to stay if he knows Castellanos will be throwing him the ball.
The quarterback position has been a revolving door in college football's transfer portal era. Having stability at the most important position on the field would allow Norvell and his staff to focus on addressing other roster needs, particularly the offensive line and defensive deficiencies that plagued the team throughout 2025.
Castellanos' leadership and familiarity with Malzahn's offensive system would also be invaluable for developing younger players and integrating portal additions.
The Waiting Game for Eligibility Approval
As of now, there's no timeline for when the NCAA will rule on Castellanos' eligibility appeal. These decisions can take weeks or even months, leaving the quarterback and Florida State in an uncertain position during a critical offseason period.
The new NCAA rule that Castellanos is appealing under has created opportunities for players who had to burn redshirt years due to team circumstances beyond their control. If approved, he would join a growing number of college football players benefiting from more flexible eligibility standards.
"I appreciate the fan base, the community, Coach Norvell, and Coach Malzahn," Castellanos said, expressing gratitude regardless of the outcome.
For now, Florida State fans can only wait and hope that their quarterback gets the chance to return and help restore the program to national prominence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Florida State vs Florida?
Florida defeated Florida State 40-21 on November 29, 2025, in Gainesville. This marked the second consecutive year the Gators beat the Seminoles in their annual rivalry game. The loss eliminated FSU from bowl eligibility with a final record of 5-7.
Why is Tommy Castellanos appealing for an extra year of eligibility?
Tommy Castellanos is appealing because he burned his redshirt year at UCF in 2022 when he appeared in five games, including the AAC championship game, due to injuries at the quarterback position. He's seeking relief under a new NCAA eligibility rule that considers such circumstances.
How did Tommy Castellanos perform in the Florida game?
Castellanos completed 17 of 28 passes for 249 yards and one interception while also leading FSU in rushing with 77 yards and a touchdown. Despite the loss, he felt it was his best game of the season and finished the year with career-high stats.
Will Tommy Castellanos play elsewhere if he gets another year?
No. Castellanos has explicitly stated that if his eligibility appeal is granted, he will only play for Florida State. He called FSU his "dream school" and expressed commitment to the program regardless of this season's results.
What offensive players are returning for Florida State next season?
Florida State returns several key offensive weapons including 1,000-yard receiver Duce Robinson, breakout sophomore Lawayne McCoy, Micahi Danzy, and Jayvan Boggs. However, the Seminoles must replace their entire starting offensive line, which presents a significant challenge.
