Former LSU Quarterback TJ Finley Enters Transfer Portal for the Fourth Time
In a striking development that has once again raised questions about the state of college football, former LSU quarterback TJ Finley has entered the transfer portal for the fourth time in his career. The 6-foot-7 signal caller’s decision to seek a new program marks the latest chapter in what has become an increasingly nomadic journey through college football.
Finley’s saga began when he signed with LSU as a member of the 2020 recruiting class, ranked as the 32nd best quarterback in the nation. After getting the opportunity to start early in his freshman year due to injuries in Baton Rouge, Finley showed flashes of promise, passing for 941 yards and 5 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. However, his tenure with the Tigers was short-lived, and he ultimately decided to transfer after just one season.
Next, Finley landed at Auburn, where he spent two seasons with the Tigers. Over that period, he appeared in several games but struggled to solidify himself as the clear starter. By the time his Auburn career came to an end, Finley had recorded 7 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Still, the former highly-touted recruit was left searching for a fresh opportunity.
In 2023, Finley transferred once again, this time to Texas State, where he enjoyed a productive campaign. Finley threw for 3,439 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, showcasing the potential that had once made him one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. But after just one season in San Marcos, the 23-year-old opted to take his talents elsewhere—this time to Western Kentucky.
At Western Kentucky, Finley began the season as the starting quarterback for the Hilltoppers but struggled with injury early on, eventually losing his job to backup Austin Reed. Now, just a few months later, Finley is back in the transfer portal, seeking a new home for the 2024 season. If he finds a new program, it will mark his fifth school in as many years.
This latest move has sparked considerable debate about the current state of college football, particularly regarding the frequent use of the transfer portal. While the portal was introduced to give players more freedom to explore opportunities and improve their playing time or NIL potential, Finley’s situation has left many questioning whether it is being abused by some players. Critics argue that frequent transfers may be undermining the stability and academic progress of athletes, who are also expected to finish their degrees in a reasonable time frame.
On the other hand, Finley’s decision to continue transferring in pursuit of playing time and NIL opportunities is understandable. With the growing importance of Name, Image, and Likeness deals in college football, many players are eager to capitalize on their talent while they still have eligibility. And for players like Finley, who have not yet fully realized their potential, the transfer portal can serve as a path to more playing time and exposure—both of which could help their professional prospects.
Whether this cycle of constant transfers is a sustainable trend for college football remains to be seen. But for now, Finley’s journey continues, and his search for a fifth school in five years highlights the evolving landscape of the sport.
