Bill O'Brien addresses Boston College QB situation, announces Thomas Castellanos steps away from team

Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien announced a change at starting quarterback: Grayson James will be the new starter over Thomas Castellanos.

“Tommy has done a great job for us,” O’Brien said. “He’s an awesome competitor. We have a lot of respect for Tommy. Obviously, he wasn’t real thrilled with that so he’s taking a couple days (away from the team), so I’ll get back to you on that one. But, Grayson James will be the starter.”

As O’Brien mentioned, Castellanos will step away from the team temporarily. It remains to be seen what happens with him moving forward.

In his second year with the school, Castellanos improved his numbers from 2023. In eight games this year, Castellanos had 1,366 yards, 18 touchdowns, five interceptions, a 61.5% completion percentage, 194 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Thomas Castellanos benched, steps away from Boston College football team

James demonstrated a better command of the offense in the second half during the win over Syracuse Saturday. Now, James is the starter moving forward with Castellanos away as BC needs one win in its final three games to become bowl eligible.

James is in his first season with Boston College after spending three years at FIU. This year, he is 24-of-48 passing for 219 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also has a score on the ground.

O’Brien also talked about going from Castellanos to James during the win over Syracuse.

“He was very poised (vs. Syracuse),” O’Brien said of James. “There was a couple things he’d like to have back like all of us, coaches & players alike. But, overall, he played a solid game & was instrumental in helping us win the game.

“Much improved player. A guy that’s very smart. Great student. A guy that the team really respects. A guy the team has a lot of support for him. He’s gotten better. He was injured. He missed a lot of time. He had a labrum injury & came back from that & just kind of grinded it out. Our quarterback & a guy we’re going with.”

As a member of the Class of 2022, Castellanos was a three-star recruit out of Waycross (Ga.) Ware County, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 55 overall prospect in the state, the No. 20 athlete in the class and the No. 554 overall prospect in the class.