Florida State is looking to revamp its offense under new coordinator Gus Malzahn, and things are starting to come together. After several practices and a scrimmage, the offensive guru is starting to hone in on who’s ready to play and who isn’t.
That’s a key element of fall camp. Malzahn identifying his playmakers is the first step among many toward turning things around.
“I think so. Through the course of fall camp there’s been guys make plays and there’s guys that, you know, like I said, need to grow in those things,” Gus Malzahn said. “After two scrimmages it’s pretty clear who is ready to play right now and who needs the work.”
After stacking up as one of the nation’s best offenses in 2023, Florida State fell off a cliff last fall. The team finished ranked 131st out of 134 teams in scoring offense, averaging just 15.4 points per game.
Most of the other figures were equally bad: 132nd in total offense, 129th in rushing offense and 116th in passing offense. That isn’t going to cut it if head coach Mike Norvell plans to keep himself off the hot seat.
To that end, it’s on Gus Malzahn to make sure his guys are ready. And that starts with being on the same page.
“I think that’s big from a coach’s standpoint just communicating with the guys and being honest with them of where we’re at,” Malzahn said. “And then have a specific plan for those guys that need to step up and show them exactly what needs to happen for them to be a part and to grow and help the team.”
Gus Malzahn praises Thomas Castellanos
The 2025 season is rapidly approaching. It’s a season where the Florida State Seminoles are hoping to have a much-improved season after struggling offensively last year. That’s a charge that is being led by new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
That changing of the guards on the Florida State offense hasn’t come without some growing pains, though. That included a recent interception in Florida State’s last scrimmage. While that interception isn’t something anyone wants, for Malzahn, Castellanos’ response to it is proof the Seminoles are on the right path.
“Those things are very, very important,” Gus Malzahn said. “Yeah, he threw an interception early in the scrimmage. Then, he came back and made a play, and I think threw a long touchdown. Then led us down to another touchdown. That’s the response that you’re looking for out of your quarterback, and so very impressed with that last night.”
On3’s Dan Morrison also contributed to this report.
