Less than a day after Florida State shocked No. 8 Alabama 31-17, quarterback Tommy Castellanos moved fast to monetize the moment, rolling out a line of merchandise that riffs on his summer bravado and the Crimson Tide’s first season-opening defeat since 2001.
Key Takeaways
- Castellanos launched eight shirts and sweatshirts on his website within 24 hours of the win.
- Designs reference Alabama’s 31-17 loss and his offseason barbs about the post-Saban Tide.
- Notable slogans include “Nick Can’t Save Them” and “Stand On What I Said.”
- One graphic shows a cartoon Castellanos standing on a brick marked with Saturday’s score.
- The senior transfer went 9-of-14 for 152 yards, adding 78 rushing yards and a touchdown.
- Alabama fell to FSU despite entering as a road favorite and ranked No. 8.
- The Tide are 9-5 since Nick Saban’s retirement under head coach Kalen DeBoer, per the report.
- Next up: FSU faces East Texas A&M; Alabama plays Louisiana-Monroe next Saturday.
Verified Facts
Castellanos’ online store began offering eight apparel items on Sunday, a quick-turn response to Florida State’s statement victory. The merchandise leans into the upset and his own pregame confidence, which drew attention throughout the summer.
Some pieces feature the phrase “Nick Can’t Save Them,” echoing comments he made in June when he predicted Alabama would struggle without longtime coach Nick Saban. Others use “Stand On What I Said,” a nod to his July reiteration at ACC media days that he would not walk back those remarks.
On the field, Castellanos backed up the talk. He completed 9 of 14 passes for 152 yards and rushed for 78 yards with a score, steering the Seminoles to a 31-17 win over the No. 8 Crimson Tide. The defeat marked Alabama’s first loss in a season opener since 2001.
Alabama entered the game as the favorite despite playing in Tallahassee, but the Seminoles controlled key moments and closed strong. The result arrives amid broader questions about Alabama’s trajectory in the post-Saban era under Kalen DeBoer, with the program 9-5 since the transition, according to the report.
Looking ahead, Florida State is slated to host East Texas A&M next Saturday. Alabama is scheduled to face Louisiana-Monroe the same day.
Context & Impact
Castellanos’ merch drop underscores how college athletes now leverage big-stage performances and bold personalities into immediate NIL-driven revenue. Turning a marquee upset into a branded moment is increasingly common, especially when it dovetails with prior storylines.
For Alabama, the loss does more than sting pride. Season openers often set perception for playoff contention, and another high-profile stumble could intensify scrutiny of the Tide’s post-Saban reset. Conversely, Florida State gains early credibility in the playoff conversation by beating a top-10 opponent out of the gate.
The messaging on the merchandise also feeds rivalry culture. Phrases that needle an opponent can rally a fanbase—and sell—while inevitably drawing pushback from the other side, keeping the spotlight on both programs into Week 2.
Official Statements
“They don’t have Nick Saban to save them.”
Tommy Castellanos, June 2025 remarks
“We stand on what I said.”
Tommy Castellanos, ACC media days, July 2025
Unconfirmed
- Merchandise sales figures and sell-through rates have not been disclosed.
- Licensing details for any school or conference marks on the products, if applicable, were not specified.
- Fulfillment timelines and inventory volumes for the new items were not provided.
Bottom Line
Castellanos talked big all summer and delivered in Week 1—then cashed in with a swift merch release that keeps Florida State’s upset front and center. The win boosts FSU’s early résumé, while Alabama faces renewed questions about its form in the post-Saban era.