Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos denied extra year, prepares to sue NCAA

Jeff Hauser

Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos denied extra year, prepares to sue NCAA image

Florida State coach Mike Norvell announced Friday that senior quarterback Tommy Castellanos’ collegiate career is over after the NCAA denied his waiver for an additional season of eligibility, according to Warchant

Castellanos is preparing to fight the ruling out in court. The veteran quarterback has hired legal counsel and is prepared to file a lawsuit against the NCAA. 

Sports business attorney Darren Heitner said Friday he has been retained by Castellanos. He will represent the quarterback “in his fight for an additional year of eligibility after the NCAA denied his waiver request,” Heitner wrote on X.

Heitner claims that Castellanos’ freshman season at UCF in 2022 should qualify as a redshirt year. Castellanos appeared in four regular-season games before playing a fifth in the AAC Championship. 

“Tommy’s 2022 participation exceeded the 30% threshold by just one postseason game… Players today can participate in four regular-season games plus a conference championship without losing eligibility.”

Castellanos transferred to FSU from Boston College last offseason and delivered a turbulent debut year. He ranked fourth in the ACC with 3,317 total yards and accounted for 24 touchdowns. 

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Staff Writer