“They Don’t Have Nick Saban to Save Them!”: FSU Quarterback Sparks Firestorm with Bold Alabama Trash Talk
TALLAHASSEE, FL — The college football world is ablaze after Florida State quarterback DJ Riles lit up the offseason media circuit with one scorching comment that instantly went viral:
“They don’t have Nick Saban to save them anymore… Alabama ain’t the same without him.”
Riles, a confident junior QB entering his second year as the Seminoles’ starter, made the controversial statement during a live interview on “The Huddle,” a nationally syndicated college football podcast. When asked about a potential playoff showdown between Florida State and Alabama, Riles didn’t hesitate to pour gasoline on a smoldering rivalry.
“I’m not worried about ‘Bama. That dynasty’s in the rearview. No disrespect, but they had the greatest to ever do it [Saban]. He gone. It’s a new era now—ours.”
The bold words come at a time when Alabama, now under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, is seeking to prove it can maintain its championship pedigree post-Saban. While the Crimson Tide remains loaded with elite talent, they stumbled last season in the College Football Playoff semifinals—a fact not lost on Riles.
Florida State, on the other hand, is riding a massive wave of momentum. Following a 13-1 campaign and a Top-4 recruiting class, the Seminoles are eyeing their first national title since 2013. With the return of Riles, a Heisman dark horse, and a ferocious defense led by All-American LB Zaylen Thomas, FSU enters the 2025 season ranked No. 3 in the AP preseason poll—one spot ahead of Alabama.
The Crimson Tide fanbase has not taken kindly to Riles’ comments. Social media exploded with reaction from Bama fans and alumni, some calling the FSU star “cocky,” others promising “payback” if the two schools meet in the postseason.
Meanwhile, FSU fans have rallied around their QB’s fearless confidence. Seminole legend and ESPN analyst Jameis Winston even chimed in on X (formerly Twitter):
“Love it. You gotta believe you’re the best to BE the best. DJ talkin’ that Seminole talk ”
With playoff implications already brewing in July, one thing is clear: if Florida State and Alabama meet this year, it won’t just be about football—it’ll be personal.
#SeminolesVsBama #TrashTalkSeason #NoSabanNoProblem #FSU2025
