Longtime college football quarterback TJ Finley has announced he’s going pro after a winding, six-season college career. This move comes after he’d initially committed to Incarnate Word for the 2026 season, which would’ve been his seventh college stop.
He’s no longer with that program and is now setting his sights on the next level. Over the years, Finley played for LSU, Auburn, Texas State, Western Kentucky, Tulane, and Georgia State.
His final season at Georgia State saw him throw for 1,244 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Even with a tough record, Finley’s not giving up—he’s still optimistic and ready to chase the pro dream.
Finley’s College Football Journey
TJ Finley’s college path? Definitely a rollercoaster. He started at LSU and made some noise as a young quarterback.
Then came stops at Auburn, Texas State, Western Kentucky, Tulane, and, finally, Georgia State. Each team brought its own set of hurdles—and some real chances to grow.
Early Years at LSU and Auburn
Finley kicked off his career at LSU, flashing moments of real promise. There, he learned a lot and started to build his skills.
When he transferred to Auburn, he kept working on his game, though the competition was fierce and the pressure was no joke.
Breakout Season at Texas State
Texas State is where Finley really broke out. In 2023, he completed 279 of 414 passes for 3,439 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
He also punched in five rushing touchdowns. That season was easily his best—he showed he could lead and put up big numbers.
Final Stint at Georgia State
His last stop, Georgia State, was a bit of a mixed bag. Finley threw for 1,244 yards, six touchdowns, and seven picks over seven games.
The team finished 1-6 in those appearances. Still, you could see how much he loves the game—he never really lost that drive.
Challenges and Adversities
Finley’s college years weren’t all highlight reels. He faced his share of injuries and off-field challenges.
When he entered the NCAA transfer portal, Finley talked about juggling new fatherhood and injury setbacks. Even with all that, he stayed focused on football and kept pushing to compete.
Injury and Transfer Portal
In 2024, a season-ending injury knocked him out of action. He applied for a seventh college season after that setback.
It was tough, but it also gave him a shot to show just how determined he really is to get back on the field.
Commitment to Incarnate Word
After hitting the transfer portal, Finley committed to Incarnate Word. That looked like his next stop, but things changed, and he’s no longer with the program.
Now, he’s shifting gears and focusing on turning pro. This feels like a turning point for him—maybe the most important one yet.
Looking Ahead: Finley’s Professional Aspirations
With college football in the rearview, Finley’s setting out to make it as a pro. He leaves behind 7,372 career passing yards, 43 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions.
Those numbers? They show he’s got some real ability and potential as he moves up.
Skills and Attributes
Bouncing between so many programs gave Finley a pretty unique skill set. He’s learned to adapt to different systems and styles—something that could seriously help him at the next level.
On top of that, he’s got leadership qualities and a competitive edge that might just set him apart as he tries to make it in the pros.
Potential Impact in Professional Football
Finley heads into his pro career carrying lessons from his college days. There’s a certain resilience he’s built up along the way, and it shows.
His determination to push through setbacks and his obvious love for football might just give him an edge. If you’re a team hunting for a quarterback with experience and a knack for leadership, maybe keep TJ Finley on your radar.
Curious about the full story or where he’s headed next? Check out the details on On3.
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