Sports

TEXAS TECH QB’S STATUS IN LIMBO 1 DAY BEFORE COLORADO SHOWDOWN

Filed October 2, 2026

LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech backup quarterback Tommy Castellanos’ eligibility is back in question after the Kentucky Court of Appeals dissolved the injunction that allowed him to play this season.

The Friday, Oct. 2 ruling came just 1 day before the Red Raiders’ road game at Colorado, creating uncertainty around an experienced option behind starting quarterback Will Hammond.

The case involves athletes from the high school Class of 2022 who obtained a court order allowing an additional season of eligibility. Friday’s decision removed that legal protection, putting Castellanos’ Saturday availability in question.

A new hearing is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, according to Red Raider Sports, citing the Jefferson Circuit Court docket.

However, an attorney involved in the case believes Texas Tech may still have a path to playing him under current NCAA rules. Ryan Downton, who represented multiple athletes in the lawsuit, told On3 that, provided Castellanos had no professionalism issues, Tech should “certify him as eligible under the NCAA Manual as it exists today.”

On3 reported that Texas Tech’s compliance office would ultimately determine whether he could play. As of Friday afternoon, his game status remained unresolved.

Castellanos joined Texas Tech in August after playing at UCF, Boston College and Florida State. Before arriving in Lubbock, he had made 32 college starts and accumulated 6,449 passing yards, 48 passing touchdowns, 1,984 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns.

“With Tommy, we have an experienced quarterback who we believe can come in and help us win games, if needed,” head coach Joey McGuire said when announcing his arrival.

Texas Tech’s official statistics list Castellanos as appearing in the first 4 games this season with 2 touchdown passes. His potential absence would reduce the experienced depth available behind Hammond.

The Oct. 9 hearing falls during Tech’s open week, with Arizona State next on the schedule Oct. 17 in Lubbock.

Texas Tech kicks off at Colorado at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday, Oct. 3, carrying a 4–0 record.

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