What If QB Transfer Thomas Castellanos Chose FSU First?
The world of college football recruiting is a landscape of constant what-ifs, where decisions made by players and coaches can dramatically alter the course of a season or even a program’s future. One of the most intriguing scenarios in recent years involves quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who transferred to Boston College from the University of Central Florida (UCF). But what if, instead of Boston College, Castellanos had chosen to transfer to Florida State University (FSU) first?
In a world where quarterback play is often the difference between contention and mediocrity, the decision of where Castellanos would land could have had significant ripple effects on both FSU and Boston College.
Castellanos, a dual-threat quarterback with impressive mobility and a natural playmaking ability, emerged as one of the more intriguing transfer quarterbacks in the 2024 offseason. His ability to run and throw with accuracy made him an ideal candidate to elevate a program in need of an offensive spark. FSU, a team with championship aspirations, would have seen him as a perfect fit for head coach Mike Norvell’s high-tempo, dynamic offense. The Seminoles had veteran quarterback Jordan Travis returning, but Castellanos could have provided a valuable backup and a long-term option if needed.
Had Castellanos chosen FSU, the impact on the Seminoles’ 2024 season could have been substantial. With a deep and talented roster, including a top-tier wide receiver corps and an improving offensive line, Castellanos could have been molded into a legitimate future star under Norvell’s tutelage. Although Travis was firmly the starter, Castellanos’ skillset could have been utilized in certain game situations, potentially even in specialized packages that made use of his legs as a run-threat in short-yardage or red-zone situations. This versatility would have added an intriguing layer to an already potent FSU offense.
More than just providing depth, Castellanos’ presence at FSU could have created a competitive environment within the quarterback room, pushing Travis to continue improving. Quarterback competitions, especially ones with highly talented players, often elevate the level of play for all involved. Castellanos would have pushed Travis to maintain his consistency, further benefiting FSU’s offense in the long run.
However, the transfer decision to FSU would have created a different set of challenges as well. With Travis returning for his senior season, Castellanos may have had to wait for a starting role in 2025, potentially leading to frustration or a desire to seek immediate playing time elsewhere, something that could have been a concern for both Castellanos and FSU. Given the nature of college football transfers, this could have led to a situation where Castellanos transferred again, which might have been counterproductive for the program.
On the flip side, Boston College, where Castellanos ultimately landed, was in dire need of a playmaker under center. The Eagles were looking for a spark after a disappointing 2023 season, and Castellanos was the perfect fit. His decision to join Boston College allowed him to become the immediate starter and have a more direct impact. In turn, Castellanos’ leadership on offense elevated Boston College’s attack, with his dual-threat ability providing a new dimension that the Eagles had been lacking in previous seasons.
Ultimately, the “what if” scenario of Castellanos choosing FSU instead of Boston College provides a glimpse into how a single decision can affect not just the future of a player, but the trajectory of entire programs. FSU, with its national championship aspirations and talent pool, would have welcomed Castellanos as a future star, while Boston College capitalized on the opportunity to make Castellanos the face of their offense. Whatever the outcome, Castellanos’ choice reshaped the landscape of both schools, showing just how vital quarterback decisions are to the success of a college football team.
