After a disastrous 2-10 campaign in 2024, Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles hired former Auburn and UCF head coach Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator. They brought in former UCF and Boston College quarterback Tommy Castellanos to run Malzahn’s offense for 2025.
Thomas Castellanos Has Waiver Denied, Still Attempting to Play in 2026
The Seminoles began strong, winning their first three, including a 31-17 upset of Alabama.
However, after a strong start to 2025, Florida State then suffered a four-game losing streak and ended the season with a whimper, losing to the rival Florida Gators to fall to 5-7 and miss a bowl.
Castellanos was injured for much of the season and extremely inconsistent, especially on the road, where FSU’s offense sputtered. He finished 180-of-309 for 2,760 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He rushed for 557 yards and seven touchdowns. Florida State had a PFSN CFB Offense Impact score of 86.6, suitable for a grade of B, but the team saw the numbers dwindle throughout the season.
With Norvell surprisingly set to return in 2026, despite winning just seven of his last 25 games, Florida State has discussed Castellanos returning for a second season as starter. However, after his waiver was denied, Castellanos will be challenging that ruling.
“His waiver was denied,” Norvell said. “I know Tommy is going through his process of fighting for opportunity. We support Tommy in being able to explore all things that he wants to and needs to do for his potential eligibility and playing.”
NEWS: Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos’ waiver for an extra year was denied, Mike Norvell announced
Castellanos has hired legal counsel and is prepared to file a lawsuit against the NCAA if necessary, @PeteNakos reports https://t.co/iQCFTIsKig pic.twitter.com/aP5nqZ05d2
— On3 (@On3sports) December 5, 2025
Castellanos has hired Darren Heitner, a Miami lawyer specializing in NIL and the current era of college football.
“Just weeks after Tommy’s participating, the NCAA issued a blanket waiver allowing future players in his exact situation to maintain their redshirt status,” Heitner said. “Players today can participate in four regular-season games plus a conference championship game without losing eligibility.”
Heitner believes that due to those current rules, Castellanos should be given another year of eligibility.
MORE: James Madison Playoff Chances: Latest CFB Playoffs Outlook Entering Week 15
“Considering the postseason exemption that now exists, this case demands a fair resolution,” Heitner said.
As for the other side of it, Norvell told reporters that Florida State will “move forward.”
“Tommy’s situation is unique to itself. We’re going to move forward for what we believe is best for the competitive aspect of our quarterback position. I’m excited about the guys we have. I think that they’ve all shown flashes and moments,” Norvell said.
There were rumors the Seminoles could be moving on from Malzahn and Castellanos following another terrible season, but no announcements of any sort have been made.
Aside from Castellanos, Florida State has Brock Glenn, who many remember starting the 2023 ACC Championship Game as a true freshman, and Kevin Sperry, who played sparingly as a true freshman this season.
Florida State doesn’t seem enamored by either and is expected to look for a quarterback in the transfer portal. This is especially true if Castellanos has his waiver denied.
