TJ Finley has become one of the most intriguing — and talked-about — quarterbacks in modern college football. Known for his size, arm strength, and frequent moves through the NCAA transfer portal, Finley’s journey from high school standout to Auburn and beyond is a compelling story of resilience, opportunity, and persistence.
High School Stardom and Recruiting
TJ Finley began his football journey at Ponchatoula High School (Louisiana), where he was a dominant pro-style quarterback with a towering 6-7 frame. Finley’s high school performance earned him three-star rankings from major recruiting services and significant attention from Power 5 programs. Early in his recruitment, he garnered offers from schools including LSU, Alabama, Penn State, and Houston, showcasing his potential at the next level.
Finley’s strong arm and leadership on the field made him a coveted target, and his decision to join the LSU Tigers in the 2020 recruiting class marked the start of a college career filled with twists and turns.
Collegiate Beginnings: LSU to Auburn
After enrolling at LSU, Finley saw playing time as a true freshman, starting five games and throwing for nearly 1,000 yards. Despite flashes of potential, he elected to enter the transfer portal following the 2020 season. His next stop brought him to Auburn University, where he made an immediate impact.
At Auburn, Finley was thrust into action due to injuries in the quarterback room. In 2021, he replaced starter Bo Nix in a memorable comeback victory and later earned the starting role. He posted over 1,258 passing yards and seven touchdowns in his Auburn tenure, displaying leadership and competitiveness in the SEC.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Finley’s time at Auburn ended after two seasons as he entered the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer, seeking more consistent opportunities.
The Transfer Portal Journey
What followed was an unprecedented college football odyssey. Finley’s path took him through multiple programs as he sought the right fit:
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Texas State (2023): Finley enjoyed his most productive season, throwing for 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the Bobcats to their first bowl game and earning All-Sun Belt recognition.
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Western Kentucky (2024): Limited by injury, Finley appeared in just a few games before moving on.
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Tulane (2025): Finley transferred to Tulane but was suspended after a legal issue involving an allegedly stolen vehicle, prompting another portal entry.
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Georgia State (2025): Finley later committed to Georgia State, making it his sixth collegiate program — an almost unprecedented journey in NCAA history.
As of late 2025, Finley re-entered the transfer portal once more with hopes of securing a seventh year of eligibility, citing personal challenges like injuries, fatherhood, and adversity.
What Makes TJ Finley’s Story Unique?
TJ Finley’s college career reads like a case study in the modern transfer portal era. Rather than a linear path from one program to a stable starting role, Finley’s trajectory highlights:
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Recruiting impact: A highly recruited high school QB with offers from elite programs.
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Transfer portal navigation: Multiple entries and moves showing the fluidity of college football today.
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Resilience: Finley continues to pursue opportunities despite setbacks on and off the field.
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Auburn legacy: At Auburn, Finley provided memorable moments and helped shape the Tigers’ quarterback room during his tenure.
Conclusion
TJ Finley’s journey — from high school standout to a transfer portal journeyman — highlights the changing landscape of college football recruiting and player mobility. His story resonates with fans, recruiters, and analysts alike as an example of persistence and adaptation in the face of constant change. Whether Finley finds a final landing spot or continues chasing that elusive seventh season, his impact on the game and the transfer portal narrative is undeniable.
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