Texas Tech University revealed this week that Tommy Castellanos will become part of the Red Raiders’ football program as a backup quarterback for the 2026 season. The announcement comes as the program gears up for a highly anticipated season opener against Abilene Christian, a matchup that has already sold out its tickets.
Castellanos arrives in Lubbock after a collegiate career that spanned Florida State, Boston College and UCF, during which he amassed 6,449 passing yards and 1,984 rushing yards. His dual‑threat skill set was on full display in his most recent season at Florida State, where he set school records for quarterback rushing yards and touchdowns.
A Dual‑Threat Presence
What sets Castellanos apart is not just his arm strength but also his ability to extend plays with his legs. In each of the past three seasons he ranked among the nation’s top 10 FBS quarterbacks in yards per completion and in completions of 30, 40 and 50 yards, underscoring a deep‑ball efficiency that could diversify Texas Tech’s offensive playbook.
The coaching staff highlighted his experience, noting that he will compete for the backup role behind Will Hammond alongside five other quarterbacks. This depth chart reflects a competitive environment that could push the entire unit to elevate its performance before the season begins.
Beyond the statistics, Castellanos brings a narrative of resilience and growth. Hailing from Waycross, Georgia, he has consistently posted career‑best numbers each year, culminating in a 2025 season that saw him surpass 2,700 passing yards while also adding 557 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
The Red Raiders’ fan base has responded enthusiastically, with two non‑conference games already sold out and tickets for the remaining Big 12 home contests available through the university’s online portal. The excitement underscores the program’s upward trajectory as it looks to build on recent successes.