Thomas Castellanos sues NCAA for transfer portal access after eligibility ruling

In the United States, former Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos has initiated legal action against the NCAA, seeking an injunction that would allow him to enter the college football transfer portal. This lawsuit comes in the wake of a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Colorado, which granted a blanket waiver to athletes from the 2022 recruiting class, allowing them to seek eligibility despite the NCAA's new age-based eligibility model. The NCAA's decision to exclude the 2022 class from this model has led to a surge of lawsuits from athletes seeking to extend their college careers. Castellanos, who transferred from Boston College to Florida State before the 2025 season, is among those affected by this ruling. He passed for 2,760 yards and 15 touchdowns during his last season at Florida State, in addition to rushing for nine touchdowns. His attorney, Ryan Downton, has expressed frustration with the NCAA's resistance to allowing athletes to play, stating that the organization is lobbying Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA), which would grant immediate eligibility to affected athletes. The ongoing legal battles highlight the growing tension between the NCAA and athletes seeking fair treatment under the new eligibility guidelines. As courts across the country continue to grant injunctions to athletes, the outcome of Castellanos's lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of college sports and the NCAA's authority over athlete eligibility.