After being benched against Syracuse in the win, Boston College Eagles quarterback Thomas Castellanos will step away for “a few days”.
In a shocking turn of events, coach Bill O’Brien announced that after being benched during the 37-31 win, Castellanos has decided to step away from the team. O’Brien made it clear that at this time it is not a permanent decision, and Castellanos made the decision to step away due to mental health struggles. Multiple Boston College Eagles players have stated that the quarterback needed to “clear his head” and that they are all “cool with him” moving forward.
While Castellanos is believed to just be clearing his head, one important note is that the transfer portal officially opens in just a few weeks. If Castellanos were to change his mind, he would be able to leave the team and enter the portal if the junior felt inclined to do so.
Castellanos currently has 1366-yards passing, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions, but one of the worst quarterback ratings in college football. Currently, Castellanos has a season quarterback rating of 38.6, which is the 108th-ranked rating out of qualified quarterbacks.
Castellanos was previously known for being a run-dominant quarterback, but has recorded just a tenth of his rushing yards from 2023 this season. The quarterback has tried to run the ball significantly this season as well, recording 93 carries, but the production has not been there. Castellanos has been sacked 19 times this season for 102-yards lost and has played through multiples injuries as a result of the hits being delivered.
Many Boston College Eagles fans were confused as to why Castellanos was benched in the first place, as the team was playing extremely competitive football at the time. However, the inaccuracy of Castellanos appears to be the issue as the Eagles do not pass much, but need to complete the easy passes when they do so.
What is Next For the Boston College Eagles, Thomas Castellanos Moving Forward?
While Castellanos takes a leave of absence from the team, the Boston College Eagles staff will have to figure out what a potential future without the quarterback looks like.
A season ago, Castellanos captivated the Eagles fans as the quarterback really took the field for the first time. Castellanos previously played for and committed to the UCF Knights, but did not receive much of a chance to play. A season ago, the quarterback was responsible for 28 touchdowns but also had nearly 20 turnovers to his name as well.
Entering this season with a new coaching staff led by coach O’Brien, Castellanos has actually had a better season throwing the ball on paper. The quarterback has been making better reads and cut his interception total down by two-thirds. However, Castellanos has still struggled with accuracy and O’Brien seemingly had enough of dealing with it last game.
While the benching may puzzle Boston College Eagles fans, the absence from the team for Castellanos truly does not. As Castellanos is sorting out his own struggles, the quarterback may also consider playing out his senior year in a new setting.
Following bowl selections, a 45-day winter transfer portal window will open, allowing players to exit their current program and enter the portal in search of a new one. If Castellanos were to transfer, the quarterback would have to enter his name into the portal during that window. Theoretically, Castellanos can stay with the team until the completion of a possible bowl game where the NCAA would then give “reasonable accommodations” for anyone seeking a transfer.
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