The transfer portal has a new star quarterback making waves, and Liberty’s Kaidon Salter is turning heads with his potential landing spots. With numerous offers on the table, Salter seems eager to take his talents to a major program. The buzz centers around two big names: Colorado and Florida State. While schools like Auburn and UCLA are also in contention, Salter appears to have loftier ambitions.

According to the latest speculation, Salter might join forces with Deion Sanders at Colorado, leaving Florida State and head coach Mike Norvell to reassess their quarterback options. College football analysts believe the Seminoles have already identified a strong alternative to enhance their 2025 class. On the latest episode of the Doak Talk show, FSU insider Doak shared some exciting news, “Thomas Castellanos is a target for FSU. He’s a guy I’d take, no question about that. He’s a top quarterback on the board at FSU.”

After two impactful seasons at Boston College, Castellanos has entered the portal, and FSU appears to be a frontrunner for his services. His college journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but his numbers underscore his potential. In 2023, Castellanos threw for 2,200 yards with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, while also rushing for 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns—showcasing his dual-threat ability.

However, his 2024 season marked significant growth, particularly in limiting turnovers. Castellanos cut his interceptions from 14 to just five, demonstrating improved decision-making and maturity as a quarterback. One of the more intriguing wrinkles in Castellanos’ story is his experience under former NFL coach Bill O’Brien. O’Brien took over as Boston College’s head coach in 2024 and implemented a pro-style offense that emphasized passing over the run game, which had been a cornerstone of Castellanos’ success.

The shift was apparent: Castellanos’ rushing yards plummeted to just 194, but his passing efficiency soared. He finished the season with 1,300 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Playing under O’Brien—a veteran NFL head coach who led the Houston Texans from 2014 to 2020 and earned a reputation for offensive innovation—has given Castellanos a rare advantage. He’s not just a dual-threat quarterback but one with the seasoning of being molded in a pro-style system. That experience makes him an even more attractive option for Florida State.

The Seminoles may need to move quickly to secure Castellanos, especially with multiple programs likely recognizing the upside he brings. Whether FSU opts for Salter, Castellanos, or another contender, the Seminoles are committed to finding the right quarterback to lead their offense into the future.

Does Florida still have a shot at getting Kaidon Salter?

Salter has yet to finalize his decision on where he’ll play next, but he’s making waves in the transfer portal as one of its most sought-after talents. According to Pete Nakos of On3 Recruits, Salter is planning visits to Colorado, Florida State, and Syracuse, while also keeping UCLA and Auburn on his radar. At 6-foot-2, the dual-threat quarterback has captured attention for his dynamic playmaking abilities and the potential to elevate any program he joins.

Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes and Mike Norvell’s Florida State Seminoles are emerging as frontrunners in the race for Salter. Both programs are vying to solidify their positions as powerhouses in college football, making Salter’s decision a pivotal one for their respective futures.

Salter’s career at Liberty has been nothing short of remarkable. Over four seasons, he amassed 5,887 passing yards, 56 touchdowns, and just 17 interceptions while adding 2,013 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. His breakout 2023 season was a defining moment, as he led Liberty to a stellar 13-1 record and a Conference USA title. That year, he delivered an incredible 32 passing touchdowns and 1,089 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat versatility.

However, his 2024 season didn’t reach the same heights. Battling inconsistencies, Salter recorded 1,886 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, six interceptions, and 587 rushing yards. Despite the dip in production, his overall body of work and leadership abilities have kept him in high demand.

Florida State is particularly intrigued by Salter’s potential to bolster its 2025 roster. As the Seminoles aim to maintain their elite status, Salter could provide the spark needed to keep their offense dynamic and competitive. Meanwhile, Colorado, under the charismatic leadership of Deion Sanders, presents an enticing opportunity for Salter to be part of a transformative program.

Whether he chooses Florida State, Colorado, or another contender, Salter’s decision is set to be a major storyline in the college football landscape. His ability to impact the game both through the air and on the ground makes him a game-changer, and his next stop could shape the fortunes of whichever program he joins.