Florida State University quarterback Thomas Castellanos has officially declared for the NFL Draft, abandoning his appeal for an additional year of college eligibility. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Castellanos expressed gratitude to his family, friends, coaches, and teammates, acknowledging their support throughout his journey.
The decision comes after Just Win Management Group, which represented Castellanos during his pursuit of a fifth year, affirmed its support for his choice. The agency noted that while there were viable arguments for his eligibility, the player ultimately decided to focus on preparing for the upcoming draft.
Background on Castellanos’ Eligibility Appeal
Initially, the NCAA denied Castellanos’ request for a waiver that would allow him to play another season. The quarterback transferred to Florida State in December 2022 after spending one year at Central Florida and two years at Boston College. He contended that his limited playtime—only five games with the Knights in 2022—justified the request. Castellanos stepped in during the American Athletic Conference title game after starter John Rhys Plumlee suffered a hamstring injury, while backup Mikey Keene opted out to preserve eligibility before transferring.
With the appeal now withdrawn, Castellanos turns his attention to the NFL. This past season, he demonstrated his capabilities on the field, completing 58.3% of his passes for a total of 2,760 yards, along with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Additionally, he led the Seminoles with 557 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
As Castellanos prepares for the draft, he aims to make a significant impact in the NFL, building on his collegiate experience to transition into professional football. His 2023 season with Florida State ended with the team holding a 5-7 record, reflecting both challenges and opportunities for growth.
The road ahead looks promising for Castellanos as he embarks on this new chapter in his football career, aiming to leave a lasting mark on the league.
