The Kentucky Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the NCAA on Friday afternoon, dissolving the temporary injunction that had allowed athletes in the Class of 2022 to play this season. The decision puts Texas Technology strategist Thomas Castellanos status for Saturday night in Colorado in question.
The injunction had granted Castellanos a fifth year of eligibility before the start of the 2026 season. But without an injunction allowing him to play, the decision is up to Texas Tech on whether they will play quarterback Saturday. He has played in three games for the Red Raiders since being traded to fall camp, scoring four total touchdowns.
Attorney Ryan Downton, who represented several athletes in the suit, told On3, “As long as he doesn’t have professionalism issues, they should certify him as eligible under the NCAA handbook as it exists today. And play him.” The decision will ultimately be made by Texas Tech’s compliance office.
Texas Tech added the quarterback before the season to provide depth. With Brendan Sorby no longer in the program, the Red Raiders wanted an experienced quarterback behind Will Hammondwho had just injured his ACL.
Castellanos threw for 2,760 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 557 yards and nine scores in his lone season with the Seminoles in 2025. He memorably led Florida State to a Week 1 upset of Alabama in Tallahassee. An old UCF And Boston College transfer, Castellanos started 32 career games with a 16-16 record before arriving in Lubbock. He was invited to a Miami Dolphins minicamp after going undrafted.
Texas Tech at Colorado kicks off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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