Ex-FSU star Thomas Castellanos plans to join transfer portal madness

College football has seen yet another twist in the eligibility chaos. Not only were there the Trinidad Chambliss and Brendan Sorsby court cases, but multiple other lawsuits have challenged the NCAA’s eligibility rules.

Now, a highly sought-after quarterback from last year’s transfer portal has been impacted by a recent ruling. Former Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos is seeking a return to college football after a federal judge granted 2022 high school recruits an additional year of eligibility. Castellanos is pursuing legal action to gain access to the transfer portal after previously focusing on the NFL Draft.

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Castellanos went undrafted during the 2026 NFL Draft process. He received rookie minicamp invitations from the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins as a wide receiver. He now wants another opportunity to play college football, either at quarterback or another position.

Oct 11, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Thomas Castellanos (1) before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)College football transfer portal of madness

It feels like every scenario has gone completely out the window with these recent events. The NCAA has, in essence, been rendered powerless as courts continue to reshape eligibility rules, with the long-term situation still unresolved.

With players who already pursued professional opportunities now exploring returns to college football, what is next? Could more undrafted rookies seek another season if courts continue expanding eligibility? Can players move between the NFL and college game whenever the rules change?

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Those questions may sound ridiculous, but college football’s current legal landscape has made them legitimate.

May 8, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (7), wide receiver AJ Henning (88), wide receiver Donaven McCulley (43) and wide receiver Thomas Castellanos (80) work during rookie minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Castellanos’ situation could be yet another sign that eligibility rules are no longer determined solely by the NCAA. Instead, they may increasingly be decided in courtrooms, leaving players, coaches, and programs to adjust on the fly.

For now, Thomas Castellanos is in another group of players all getting a gift to return to college football. Castellanos rushed for over 500 yards while throwing 15 touchdowns and adding nine more on the ground. His best season came with Boston College where he threw 15 touchdowns, rushed for over 1,000 yards, and added 13 rushing scores.

Will this college football eligibility ever end?