Tommy to Texas Tech? Ex FSU QB Linked to Red Raiders

LUBBOCK -- While the college football season is mere weeks from getting underway, Texas Tech might not be done adding pieces to their roster.

Former Florida State quarterback Thomas "Tommy" Castellanos recently announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal after being granted a fifth year of eligibility.

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Castellanos previously suited up for Boston College and UCF over his career. He most recently threw for over 2,700 yards and 15 touchdowns with the Seminoles.

He was also instrumental in leading Florida State past Alabama to open last season in what became one of the most shocking results of the year.

Early rumors have linked the veteran passer to none other than Texas Tech ahead of one of the most pivotal seasons in program history.

The Red Raiders have garnered high expectations after a phenomenal run to their first-ever Big 12 Championship in dominant fashion. And a renewed lineup in Lubbock has all eyes on the program this year.

Following the loss of a school-record nine standouts to the NFL, Texas Tech brought in talent from a plethora of places to bolster up positions that were potential concerns.

One of the biggest of these gaps was seen in the quarterback room, with primary starter Behren Morton off to the New England Patriots and uncertainty swirling around stellar sophomore Will Hammond due to an ACL injury.

This was sought to be remedied by bringing in former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was a serious threat with the Bearcats and topped many lists of best available transfers in the latest cycle.

Of course, this dream pairing ended with a nightmare scenario after Sorsby was embroiled in an offseason controversy that focused on violations brought on by his gambling addiction.

With the departure of the one thought to fix all of the Red Raiders' quarterback woes, head coach Joey McGuire and company turned back to a face that had led through tough times just a year before.

Despite suffering a catastrophic injury, Hammond remained hopeful to appear in the upcoming season. In the aftermath of the Sorsby scandal, he went from a possibility to a certainty for the Red Raiders.

According to McGuire, Hammond's recovery process was more than acceptable and named him the team's main starter.

He was also adamant that had he been guaranteed to be healthy to start the year, Texas Tech would have never pursued Sorsby or any other starting QBs.

Where does that leave Castellanos, who has experience leading programs at the Power 4 level? Does Hammond face losing his presumed starting role again if a deal is struck?

The same reports that linked the former Seminole to Texas Tech indicate that he would be placed in a backup role to Hammond to begin his stint in Lubbock.

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For McGuire and company, landing a proven quarterback with a plethora of experience to provide insurance and mentorship, while still ensuring the strong, young talent in Hammond is the true leader is a knockout situation.

Texas Tech is no stranger to making headlines and time will tell if there is one more bombshell left for the Red Raiders before kickoff on Sept. 5.