As summer workouts kick off, most teams finalize their 2025 rosters. And one name still sitting on the board might be the biggest head-scratcher of the offseason: T.J. Finley. We’re talking about a quarterback who’s thrown for over 6,000 yards, stands at 6’7″ and 255 pounds, and once led Texas State to a historic FBS bowl victory.
Yet somehow, while other QBs like Jaxson Dart (25th overall to the Giants), Will Howard (Steelers), and Darian Mensah (Duke transfer) have moved on, Finley’s future remains uncertain. Why is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the portal still unsigned as we hit June?
T.J. Finley’s Journey Through Four Programs — And Counting
T.J. Finley‘s college football resume reads like a travel log. Since 2020, he’s made stops at LSU, Auburn, Texas State, Western Kentucky, and most recently Tulane. Across those programs, he racked up 6,128 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, with his best season by far coming in 2023.
That year, Finley balled out at Texas State, tossing for 3,439 yards, 24 touchdowns, and five more scores on the ground. His leadership led the Bobcats to their first-ever FBS bowl win. And he looked every bit the Power Four-caliber quarterback many projected him to be out of high school. But while his arm talent and physicality are NFL-level, inconsistency and off-field bumps have clouded his path.
Quarterback TJ Finley has re-entered the transfer portal.
He is seeking to join a SIXTH program in his college career. 😳 pic.twitter.com/5Jo6HkbpZY
— Rivals (@Rivals) April 27, 2025
Most recently, his April 2025 suspension from Tulane followed an arrest tied to a stolen vehicle incident. His legal team claims it was a Facebook Marketplace scam, and he wasn’t directly involved in wrongdoing.
Still, it complicates the optics for potential suitors. Finley was also arrested in 2022 in Alabama for attempting to evade police on a scooter, an incident that drew headlines during his time at Auburn.
Despite the winding road, here’s what’s clear: Finley can play.
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6’7″ frame and 255 pounds of quarterback muscle
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A rocket arm that can stretch the field sideline to sideline
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Experience in multiple offensive systems
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Still has two years of eligibility remaining
His 67.4% completion rate at Texas State proved he can be efficient. For a QB-hungry team looking for instant experience and upside, Finley checks every box on paper.
What’s Holding Him Back?
The answer is complex. Why isn’t he signed? It’s not just the legal cloud — although that’s a factor. Spring camps are over, and most rosters feel “set” at quarterback. If not that, then optics matter.
Even if innocent, his name has been in the news for the wrong reasons. Then comes another consistency question. Finley has had flashes but hasn’t sustained elite play over a full season. After bouncing around programs, coaches may wonder, is he truly bought in for the long haul?
So, where should Finley go?
Group of Five Programs with Sudden QB Needs
Think of schools that lost a starter to a late portal move or injury, and need a proven arm now. These teams often prioritize plug-and-play vets, especially those with NFL traits.
Power Four Teams With Unsettled QB Rooms
There are a few programs (we’re looking at you, bottom-half ACC and Big 12 squads) where the “QB1” is still shaky after spring ball. Finley could walk in and compete right away.
Programs Breaking in New Offensive Coordinators
Sometimes, a clean slate helps everyone. A school starting fresh with a new OC might welcome a mature QB who can process systems quickly and has years of game film. Here’s the wildcard: Finley may be waiting for fall camp injuries. A starter goes down in August? Suddenly, a team goes from set to scrambling. That’s when his phone might ring.
KEEP READING: Mountain West Veteran Still in the Transfer Portal Could Anchor a Power Four Line in 2025
The right system, the right support, and a chip on his shoulder? That’s a recipe for fireworks.
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