Report: Journeyman QB TJ Finley hits portal, seeks 7th year of eligibility

TJ Finley is aiming for lucky No. 7.

Finley is filing a waiver for a seventh year of eligibility and planning to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3.

The quarterback, who will turn 24 in March, started his collegiate career with LSU in 2020. He played for Georgia State this past season after also suiting up for Auburn, Texas State and Western Kentucky.

In addition, Finley was supposed to be Tulane's QB for 2025, but he entered the transfer portal after being suspended from the program following an arrest in April on a charge related to a stolen pickup truck.

The Louisiana native alluded to that incident in his announcement on Instagram, where he explained his decision to seek another year of eligibility.

"The last two years have been the most challenging of my life," Finley said. "Balancing new fatherhood, injuries and adversity off the field has been tested in ways football never could. Through it all, my love for the game never left. Football is who I am. I still love competing, leading and playing at the highest level.

"Due to a season-ending injury sustained in 2024, I am applying for a seventh year, and I've decided to pursue it fully. ... I'm focused, healthy and motivated. I look forward to finishing my career at a university that gives me an opportunity to compete, lead and finish strong. The story isn't over."

Finley completed 127 of 201 passes for 1,244 yards across seven games for Georgia State in 2025. He threw for six touchdowns and was intercepted seven times while posting a 1-6 record. His best season came with Texas State in 2023, where he threw for 3,439 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Overall, Finley has recorded 7,372 yards, 43 touchdowns and 27 interceptions in his 41-game collegiate career.

--Field Level Media