Tommy Castellanos, former FSU QB, commits to Texas Tech in 5th year of eligibility
· Yahoo Sports
Former Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos has committed to Texas Tech, according to multiple reports on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Castellanos, who started his career at Central Florida before becoming the starter at Boston College and Florida State, was awarded another season of eligibility after being granted a temporary restraining order by a judge in Kentucky state court on Aug. 21.
Visit freshyourfeel.com for more information.
It's unclear what Castellanos' role will be at Texas Tech, with Will Hammond set to start for the Red Raiders. Castellanos could also be both a backup quarterback and a do-it-all offensive weapon, as he participated in wide receiver drills at his Florida State pro day.
The 5-foot-11 quarterback started 32 games in his career, passing for 6,449 yards with 48 touchdowns to 28 interceptions. However, he was most dangerous with his legs, rushing for 1,984 yards with 24 scores in his career, 78 of which came in FSU's upset win over Alabama in Week 1 last season.
Texas Tech added high-end transfer Brendan Sorsby to play quarterback this offseason, but will hand the offense to Will Hammond after Sorsby was deemed ineligible following an investigation that uncovered his run of sports gambling.
Hammond is coming off an ACL tear in his right knee, but is expected to be ready for Week 1. Castellanos gives Texas Tech an option at quarterback and potentially other spots on offense if Hammond isn't himself coming back from injury.
Castellanos' commitment to the Red Raiders comes at an interesting time, as the SEC and Big Ten have banned former NFL players from competition, threatening severe penalties for institutions that play them.
Castellanos went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft before being invited to a rookie minicamp tryout with the Miami Dolphins. Since he only participated in NFL minicamp and never signed a contract, it remains to be seen whether he will have any hurdles when it comes to eligibility. A similar case was at UCLA saw fifth-year linebacker Trent Hendrick declared eligible for the Bruins, despite him declaring for the draft and attending minicamps.
Texas Tech opens its season against Abilene Christian on Sept. 5, giving Castellanos only a few days to get up to speed — if the Red Raiders plan to use him early in the year.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tommy Castellanos, former FSU QB, commits to Texas Tech in 5th year of eligibility