Castellanos Joins Texas Tech Despite NFL Minicamp Stint

Key points

• Castellanos will play for Texas Tech as a backup to starter Will Hammond, who is recovering from a torn ACL.
• The Big 12 confirmed Castellanos is eligible because he attended the NFL minicamp on a tryout basis without signing a contract.
• A Kentucky judge granted Castellanos a temporary restraining order, allowing him to play a fifth season of college football.
• Castellanos previously played for Florida State, Boston College, and UCF, starting 32 games in his college career.
• Texas Tech's quarterback situation was unsettled after Brendan Sorsby left the program to pursue the NFL draft.

Background

Texas Tech faced significant quarterback instability in 2026 after Brendan Sorsby, who had won a court ruling to regain eligibility, ultimately left college football to attempt entry into the NFL via the supplemental draft. Sorsby's departure left Will Hammond, who suffered a torn ACL in October 2025, as the primary starter. Castellanos, who declared for the NFL draft in December 2025 but was undrafted, chose to return to college football after securing a temporary restraining order from a Kentucky judge. This legal victory allowed him to bypass age-based eligibility restrictions, enabling him to enter the transfer portal and join Texas Tech.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports emphasizes the legal loophole that allows Castellanos to play despite the Big 12's new ban on former NFL players, noting his minicamp participation was on a tryout basis. CBS Sports highlights the timing, noting the Big 12 adopted its ban hours after Castellanos committed, and confirms his eligibility through a league spokesperson. Bleacher Report focuses on the practical impact on Texas Tech's roster, noting Castellanos may be used as a wide receiver and serves as a veteran backup to Hammond. All sources agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis: NBC and CBS focus on the legal and regulatory aspects, while Bleacher Report focuses on the on-field implications and Texas Tech's quarterback depth.

Why it matters

Castellanos's move highlights the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding college athlete eligibility in 2026. The Big 12's ban on former NFL players aims to prevent professional athletes from returning to college, but loopholes like Castellanos's tryout status create inconsistencies. This case may influence future legal challenges and rule-making in college sports, particularly as other conferences like the SEC and Big Ten implement similar bans. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between NCAA eligibility rules and the rights of athletes to pursue professional opportunities.

What to watch

Castellanos is expected to serve as a backup to Will Hammond for Texas Tech's 2026 season, which begins on September 5 against Abilene Christian. The team may explore using Castellanos as a wide receiver, given his experience and the uncertainty surrounding Hammond's recovery. The Big 12's ban on former NFL players may face further legal challenges as other athletes, such as those granted temporary restraining orders by a Louisiana court, seek to return to college football. The SEC and Big Ten are also navigating similar issues, potentially leading to more legal disputes over eligibility rules.