Florida State’s 2025 season came to an end on Nov. 29, raising questions about the senior QB Thomas Castellanos’ status for the 2026 season. It was first reported that the NCAA denied his waiver for a fifth season, but reports reveal he’s planning to challenge the NCAA’s decision by filing a lawsuit. Meanwhile, a social media post from Thomas Castellanos’ X account went viral, stating that the eligibility was granted. While things look cloudy, let’s dive deeper to uncover the true meaning behind the viral social media post.

“After a lengthy and drawn-out process with the NCAA, I am proud to announce that UNO is a go for 2026,” @ElginBaylorFSU tweeted.

The short answer is, no, Castellanos will not be making his return. The viral X post was posted by a fake account impersonating Thomas Castellanos. Thomas Castellanos (@Tommy_casto) with a verified ‘blue tick’ is his original X account, and there has been no update from him.

Thomas Castellanos transferred to Florida State last December after one year at UCF and two at Boston College. During his true freshman year at UCF, he played only five games, one of which was an AAC championship game. Having played five games, one game ahead of the NCAA redshirt guidelines, he believes that the NCAA will grant him the waiver to play one more year.

Castellanos argued that he played the fifth game, “only because of circumstances beyond his control,” after John Rhys Plumblee suffered a hamstring injury. However, the NCAA on Dec. 5 announced that the QB’s waiver request was denied.

Following the denial, Attorney Darren Heitner announced on X that he is representing Castellanos in his legal fight against the NCAA denial, requesting the quarterback’s waiver request for a fifth season.

While there’s no official update, the NCAA’s decision on Castellanos’ being ineligible for another year still looks intact. On the other hand, as the senior QB’s attorney, Darren Heitner, filed a case, Castellanos’ status of returning to FSU still looks uncertain.

Thomas Castellanos’ Attorney’s arguments

Castellanos’s attorney, Darren Heitner, brought up the argument that the NCAA has issued a blanket waiver just weeks after Thomas played his fifth game. While players are allowed to participate in four regular-season games and a championship game, without losing redshirt eligibility, why can’t Castellanos be granted a waiver?

“Just weeks after Tommy’s participation, the NCAA issued a blanket waiver allowing future players in his exact situation to maintain their redshirt status,” said Heitner on X. “Players today can participate in 4 regular-season games plus a conference championship without losing eligibility.

“The NCAA should grant this appeal and extend the same consideration to Tommy that countless players have received since December 2022. Fairness matters. Doing the right thing matters.”

For Tommy Castellanos, Florida State had been his dream program. The QB wishes he had another year of eligibility to help the program recover from the 5-7 record this season.

“I just think having another opportunity to come back,” Thomas Castellanos said. “And really have the great group and the core of leaders that we already have, and then go and get some help, I think we’ll be fine.”

It would be interesting to see how Tommy Castellanos’ eligibility saga unfolds, with official updates from the people responsible, and not from the fake account.