Florida State QB Tommy Castellanos Declares for 2026 NFL Draft

Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, bringing an end to a college career that spanned three programs and included a standout season with the Seminoles. The announcement comes after the NCAA denied him an additional year of eligibility, a ruling he had initially appealed before ultimately choosing to pursue a professional career.

Castellanos shared his decision in a heartfelt social media post, thanking Florida State for the experience. “Being a Seminole has been an absolute dream come true,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “From the relationships built to the moments that will stay with me forever, I’m proud to graduate from this incredible university… I’m excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.”

Although he spent just one season in Tallahassee, Castellanos made a significant impact. After starting his career at UCF and spending two seasons at Boston College, he arrived at Florida State to showcase himself as a dual-threat quarterback capable of competing at the highest level.

On the field, Castellanos threw for 2,760 yards with 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions while completing 58.3 percent of his passes in the 2025 regular season. His mobility was a key asset, as he added 557 rushing yards and nine scores, including a memorable early-season win over Alabama that briefly lifted optimism around the Seminoles’ offense.

1. Castellanos’ College Career

Across three programs, Castellanos compiled a career total of 6,449 passing yards, 48 touchdowns, and 1,984 rushing yards, starting 33 games in his collegiate tenure. His ability to combine arm talent with athleticism made him a dynamic option in multiple offenses. At Florida State, he quickly became the team’s centerpiece, providing both leadership and production on a Seminoles roster that relied heavily on his dual-threat capabilities. His contributions on the ground and through the air illustrated his versatility and adaptability in a major program. Castellanos’ early success at Florida State, particularly the win over Alabama, showcased his ability to perform against top competition. That game served as a highlight of a season that established him as one of the team’s most impactful players despite being in Tallahassee for just a single year. The decision to enter the NFL Draft concludes a college journey marked by transfers, adaptation, and resilience, leaving Florida State with a critical gap to fill at quarterback for the 2026 season.

2. Implications for Florida State

With Castellanos departing and Brock Glenn entering the transfer portal, Florida State’s quarterback room is notably thin. Currently, the Seminoles have Kevin Sperry and 2026 recruit Jaden O’Neal on the roster, suggesting another portal addition or development plan will be necessary. The Seminoles now face the challenge of identifying leadership and production at the most important position on the field. Quarterback stability will be central to Florida State’s hopes of contending in the ACC next season. Florida State’s staff will need to balance recruiting, player development, and potential transfers to ensure the team remains competitive. Castellanos’ departure underscores the volatility of the quarterback position in the modern transfer era. While the program adjusts, Florida State fans are left looking toward the future, anticipating who will emerge as the next leader under center and how the team will maintain momentum without Castellanos’ dynamic presence.

3. Castellanos Looks Ahead to the NFL

For Castellanos, attention now turns fully to preparing for the NFL. The quarterback’s combination of passing ability, mobility, and experience against major-conference competition positions him as an intriguing prospect for professional teams. Navigating eligibility battles, transfers, and competition across three programs has prepared Castellanos for the challenges of the next level. His resilience and adaptability will be key factors as he transitions to the professional game. Agents, scouts, and NFL teams will now begin evaluations, examining his athleticism, decision-making, and versatility as a dual-threat quarterback. Castellanos’ performance in the draft process will ultimately determine his initial trajectory at the next level. While Florida State moves forward without him, Castellanos enters a new chapter, betting that his unique skill set and experience will translate successfully to the NFL. His career serves as an example of perseverance and adaptation in the modern college football landscape.