LaNorris Sellers Offers Respectful Take on Alabama Football, Contrary to Thomas Castellanos’ Criticism
As college football enters another high-stakes season, opposing quarterbacks are beginning to weigh in on what to expect from Alabama — and their takes couldn’t be more different.
While Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos recently made headlines with a bold and dismissive comment about the Crimson Tide, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers took a more measured and respectful approach. Instead of doubting Alabama’s stature post-Nick Saban, Sellers remains firm in his belief: Alabama is still Alabama.
In an interview on The Zach Gelb Show, Sellers offered glowing remarks about the Crimson Tide. While acknowledging changes within the coaching staff following Saban’s departure, the Gamecocks quarterback made it clear that he still views Alabama as the powerhouse program it has long been.
“Shoot, Alabama’s still Alabama to me,” Sellers said. “They were good last year. They’re a good team. They’re big, strong and fast. That’s how I remember watching them growing up. And I don’t really think they’ve changed that much. Obviously, they have a new coaching staff and all that. But that’s still SEC ball. They’re still Alabama.”
Sellers’ comments stand in stark contrast to Castellanos, who confidently told On3 that Alabama’s era of dominance ended with Saban. Castellanos dismissed the Crimson Tide’s ability to contain him, saying, “They don’t have Nick Saban to save them… I just don’t see them stopping me.”
The difference in tone between the two quarterbacks is striking. Castellanos, who will face Alabama on August 30 in what promises to be one of the most anticipated non-conference matchups of the 2025 season, has made it clear he sees the Tide as vulnerable in the post-Saban era.
Sellers, meanwhile, has already had firsthand experience against Alabama and knows how difficult they can be to overcome. In 2024, South Carolina came painfully close to pulling off an upset in Tuscaloosa. Trailing 27-25 with under a minute left, the Gamecocks recovered an onside kick and had a real chance to win. But the comeback effort ended with an interception by Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson.
Despite the loss, Sellers delivered a strong performance. He completed 23 of 31 pass attempts for 238 yards, threw two touchdown passes, and added an interception. However, he also lost two fumbles — costly mistakes that ultimately contributed to the narrow defeat. Sellers’ comments suggest he walked away from that game with even more respect for Alabama’s strength, discipline, and ability to close out tight contests.
Looking ahead, Alabama will visit Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia on October 25, setting the stage for a much-anticipated rematch. Sellers, now more experienced, will aim to finish what he started last season — this time in front of a home crowd.
The upcoming clash with South Carolina is one of several marquee matchups on Alabama’s 2025 schedule, which is loaded with heavyweight SEC battles and a high-profile season opener. The Tide are set to face Florida State in Tallahassee on August 30 at 2:30 p.m. CT in a game that has already been circled on the calendar by fans and analysts alike.
Here’s a full rundown of Alabama’s 2025 football schedule:
Aug. 30: at Florida State (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL) – 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC
Sept. 6: vs. Louisiana Monroe (Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL) – 6:45 p.m. on SEC Network
Sept. 13: vs. Wisconsin (Bryant-Denny Stadium) – 11 a.m. on ABC or ESPN
Sept. 27: at Georgia (Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA)
Oct. 4: vs. Vanderbilt (Bryant-Denny Stadium)
Oct. 11: at Missouri (Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO)
Oct. 18: vs. Tennessee (Bryant-Denny Stadium)
Oct. 25: at South Carolina (Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC)
Nov. 8: vs. LSU (Bryant-Denny Stadium)
Nov. 15: vs. Oklahoma (Bryant-Denny Stadium)
Nov. 22: vs. Eastern Illinois (Bryant-Denny Stadium)
Nov. 29: at Auburn (Iron Bowl)
This season will be a defining moment for the Crimson Tide under their new leadership. With Nick Saban retired, critics and rivals alike are eager to see how Alabama adapts — and whether the legacy he built can be sustained. The program’s recruiting, discipline, and in-game resilience will be tested at every turn.
For quarterbacks like Castellanos, Alabama represents a vulnerable giant. But for Sellers, Alabama remains a daunting opponent — one that still commands respect and fear, regardless of who’s wearing the headset on the sideline.
Sellers’ grounded perspective reflects a deeper understanding of what Alabama football represents. Though the figure at the helm may have changed, the culture, expectations, and talent level haven’t. And as he prepares to face them again, Sellers is clearly not taking the Crimson Tide lightly.
If his words are any indication, the Gamecocks quarterback is preparing not just to compete with Alabama, but to show that he’s grown from last year’s loss. While Castellanos talks about breaking Alabama’s defense, Sellers is studying how to finish the job — and with a little more ball security, the result could be different in October.
Ultimately, the two quarterbacks offer contrasting narratives ahead of the 2025 season: one fueled by bravado and bold predictions, the other by experience and respect. Both will get their chance to prove themselves on the field. But as Sellers wisely noted, “They’re still Alabama.”
