Florida State Seeks Quarterback Options After Castellanos Declares for NFL Draft

Tommy Castellanos’ single season at Florida State has come to an end, as the dual-threat quarterback announced his entry into the 2026 NFL Draft after the NCAA denied his request for an extra year of eligibility. Castellanos’ departure adds to a period of uncertainty at the quarterback position for the Seminoles, who now face pressing decisions to fill the void.

The quarterback room was already in flux, with Brock Glenn having entered the transfer portal, leaving Florida State thin at the position. Staff and fans alike are now focused on identifying talent capable of competing for the starting role in 2026. The urgency of the search has elevated interest in several transfer portal candidates with experience and proven production.

According to On3, UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea has emerged as a high-profile target. The dual-threat quarterback is drawing attention from multiple Power Four programs, with Florida State among those expressing interest, though Tennessee and other schools are also reportedly in pursuit. Colandrea’s recruitment signals a competitive process rather than a guaranteed landing in Tallahassee.

Florida State is also monitoring Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph. With 20 career starts and over 4,251 passing yards, Joseph offers a more established, volume-oriented profile. Sources suggest that the Seminoles view him as a credible option, providing experience that could translate immediately to the FBS level and stabilize the position for the coming season.

1. Transfer Portal Targets

Anthony Colandrea has quickly become a sought-after quarterback in the transfer portal. Known for his dual-threat capabilities at UNLV, he possesses the athleticism and skill set to compete in a Power Four program. His availability has sparked a competitive recruitment environment, with multiple schools pursuing him aggressively. Florida State’s interest in Colandrea highlights the urgency of finding a plug-and-play solution. His ability to impact the field immediately would help mitigate the gap left by Castellanos’ departure. However, sources caution that securing Colandrea will require navigating a crowded field of suitors, making the decision a strategic priority. Colton Joseph offers a different profile, bringing experience and consistency from Old Dominion. His 20 career starts and over 4,200 passing yards give him the credentials to step into a high-level program and contribute immediately. For Florida State, Joseph represents a more proven option who can help stabilize the quarterback room without a lengthy adjustment period. Both portal options underscore a broader trend in college football, where programs increasingly rely on experienced transfers to fill immediate roster needs. Florida State’s recruitment of Colandrea and Joseph reflects a strategic approach to balancing athletic talent with positional continuity.

2. Roster and Leadership Challenges

The Seminoles’ quarterback situation is unfolding alongside shifts in the program’s leadership structure. Florida State is reportedly targeting Duke’s John Garrett as its next general manager, following the departure of Darrick Yray. Garrett’s return to the program would reinforce roster planning and recruiting oversight, particularly in evaluating portal options. Managing both on-field talent acquisition and off-field organizational stability will be critical in the coming weeks. The staff must identify a quarterback capable of winning the 2026 starting job while simultaneously maintaining a coherent roster and recruitment strategy. The interplay between player recruitment and leadership appointments underscores Florida State’s approach to long-term program stability. Ensuring the quarterback room is competitive while establishing organizational continuity reflects a holistic strategy for success. With Castellanos gone and other departures already impacting the roster, the Seminoles face a pivotal offseason where strategic decisions will have lasting implications on both personnel and program structure.

3. Outlook for 2026

The next few weeks will define Florida State’s quarterback trajectory. Identifying the right starter from the transfer portal or other sources is essential to building offensive stability and competitiveness for the upcoming season. Staff and administration must coordinate to ensure that roster management, recruitment, and leadership appointments align with the team’s long-term objectives. Florida State’s approach emphasizes both immediate impact and sustainable program growth. The combination of portal talent and organizational adjustments demonstrates the program’s proactive strategy in addressing uncertainty. Success at the quarterback position could set the tone for broader team performance and signal a stabilizing path forward. Careful evaluation, competitive recruitment, and leadership alignment will be central to Florida State’s ability to navigate the offseason successfully.