Texas Tech QB Thomas Castellanos ruled ineligible following court decision

Texas Tech backup quarterback Thomas Castellanos was ruled ineligible for the team’s game against Colorado following a decision by the Kentucky Court of Appeals. The ruling dissolved a temporary restraining order that had previously allowed Castellanos to play during his fifth year of eligibility.

Castellanos is among a group of 38 athletes nationwide involved in lawsuits challenging NCAA eligibility rules. The current dispute centers on athletes from the high school class of 2022, who were not included in a new rule granting five years of eligibility.

The sudden legal shift forced immediate roster changes for the 12th-ranked Red Raiders, requiring reserve quarterback Lloyd Jones III to travel to Colorado on short notice. Texas Tech officials stated they are currently evaluating options for the remainder of the season, with a further hearing in the case scheduled for October 9.