FSU Will Suffer 5-Figure Fine as 67K Fans Break ACC Protocol After Thomas Castellanos’ Big Night

All offseason, one question loomed: just how much of a turnaround could Mike Norvell bring to FSU? But after Saturday, the answer seems crystal clear: a resounding yes. Because from the opening snap to the final whistle, FSU executed with a precision that left Alabama reeling. Especially on third and fourth downs, they stood tall, stopping Alabama’s most promising attacks at every turn. And that drive ended up being FSU’s most successful of the day. But the victory celebration now feels like a curse for the program.

On August 30, Alabama insider Nick Kelly shared a clip of the Crimson Tide leaving the field as FSU fans poured onto the turf. Yes, Bobby Bowden Field had erupted in a sea of Garnet and Gold after the Seminoles stunned Alabama, 31-17. Given that, FSU piled up 386 total yards: their first time topping 300 against an FBS opponent since a 27-20 win over Miami in 2023. To top it off, the victory also marked their first over Alabama since 2007, and only their 2nd in six meetings. So, magic was in the air and history was made. But that celebration may now carry a steep cost, with FSU facing penalties for breaking ACC protocol.

Look, the ACC is cracking down. Schools that storm the field or court before opponents or officials exit will now face stiff fines. First offense: $50,000, second: $100,000, and third: $200,000. And the money? It goes straight to the ACC’s postgraduate scholarship fund. Commissioner Jim Phillips said the move comes amid growing concern over storming incidents across leagues. So, the message is clear: celebrate, but follow the rules. Just like that, with 67,000 FSU fans storming the field before Alabama players exited, so the Seminoles now face a five-figure fine. But don’t think FSU fans were the first to make such a move.

Look, in recent years, Duke fans have stormed Brooks Field after big wins over UNC and Clemson. But the ACC doesn’t punish celebrations once the opposing team and officials are safely off the field. And that’s the silver lining for Florida State fans. However, the real headline? Quarterback Thomas Castellanos stole the show in his Doak Campbell Stadium debut, throwing and running his way into instant Seminole lore.

In short, Castellanos was electric. He threw for 152 yards and rushed for 78 more. Moreover, he opened the night by completing his first seven passes, highlighted by a 40-yard strike to Tony White on 3rd down. And on his very first drive, he added a rushing TD. Castellanos later engineered another scoring march, capped by a dazzling 32-yard reverse from Tallahassee native Micahi Danzy. But now, while his debut went about as best as it could, the star QB still had plenty to say about his opponent.

FSU QB speaks out on Tide

Last season at Boston College, Thomas Castellanos gave FSU headaches. He threw for 106 yards and two TDs in a 28-13 win that dropped the Seminoles to 0-2. That performance clearly left an impression. And interestingly, after entering the transfer portal following an uneven year under Bill O’Brien, Castellanos was brought to Tallahassee by Mike Norvell, reuniting him with OC Gus Malzahn, his old coach at UCF. Now in Garnet and Gold, Castellanos didn’t hold back when asked about facing Alabama.

“People, I don’t know if they know, but you go back and watch every first game that I played in, we always start fast,” he told On3 Sports. “I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me. And then the ACC, I feel like I tore the ACC up by my damn self for the last two years, and now I’m with a squad.” The bold words sparked backlash; not just from Alabama fans, but even from some of his former Boston College teammates. Surprisingly, Castellanos, though, stood firm.

“We stand on what I said,” he explained at ACC Media Days. “There’s no disrespect … it’s just the confidence I have in my teammates and the way we’ve been preparing.” And days before the opener, he doubled down with another jab, saying the toughest defense he’ll face all year is FSU’s own. Now, with that kind of confidence, we’ll see how the season unfolds for the star QB.