Florida State shocks Alabama and ends 23-game season opener win streak

In Tallahassee, Florida, Florida State University achieved a significant upset over No. 8 ranked Alabama on August 30, 2025, with a final score of 31-17. The victory was spearheaded by new quarterback Tommy Castellanos, who demonstrated a powerful performance both on the ground and through the air. The Seminoles, coming off a disappointing 2-10 season, showcased a revived football team under new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, finishing the game with an impressive 230 rushing yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Castellanos contributed significantly, running for 78 yards and a touchdown while completing 9 of 14 passes for 152 yards. The effective rushing attack highlighted Alabama's struggles during the game. Florida State's aggressive and physical gameplay caught Alabama off guard, as they halted the Crimson Tide on multiple fourth-down attempts, further compounding Alabama's frustrations. The loss halted Alabama's 23-game season-opening win streak, marking their first defeat in such a matchup since 2001. Alabama's head coach, Kalen DeBoer, facing criticism from fans and analysts, must now navigate an identity crisis for the team following this unexpected defeat. The outcome raises serious doubts about Alabama's potential playoff aspirations this season. Fans of Florida State, jubilant with the unexpected victory, celebrated on the field as they reveled in their team's resurgence after a challenging previous year. Alabama is now left to regroup as they prepare to host Louisiana-Monroe next week while Florida State aims to build on this momentum against East Texas A&M.