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NCAA Order Allows Ex-FSU QB Castellanos to Play in 2026
26 Aug
Summary
- Castellanos returns for a fifth season after a restraining order against the NCAA.
- He joins Texas Tech as a backup quarterback, not the expected starter.
- Castellanos is eligible due to not signing a professional contract or being on a roster.
Thomas Castellanos will play college football in 2026 for Texas Tech after being granted a fifth year of eligibility through a court order. A temporary restraining order against the NCAA in Kentucky allowed him to enter the transfer portal.
Castellanos joins the Red Raiders as a backup quarterback, providing experienced depth. He is not expected to start over Will Hammond, who is recovering from an ACL injury. However, Castellanos offers a seasoned option should Hammond struggle or miss time.
His eligibility is confirmed because he did not sign a professional contract or hold a spot on a professional roster. This distinction exempts him from recent conference rules prohibiting players with prior professional league experience from returning to college football.
Castellanos previously played at Boston College and Florida State, accumulating 32 career starts. His agent indicated openness to playing wide receiver, but Texas Tech currently intends for him to remain at quarterback.
