Former Ponchatoula High School and LSU quarterback T.J. Finley is transferring to Tulane University, marking his fifth college team since beginning his collegiate career in 2020. According to WGNO, Finley has previously played at LSU, Auburn, Texas State, and Western Kentucky.
Finley's transfer to Tulane represents a homecoming of sorts, reuniting him with high school teammate and current Tulane star running back Tyjae Spears, WGNO reported. Throughout his college career, Finley has accumulated over 6,000 passing yards and 37 touchdowns. Notably, during the 2023 season at Texas State, he set a personal best with 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns in 13 games, averaging 264 yards per game.
This latest transfer news, initially reported by Matt Zenitz of 24/7 Sports and confirmed by multiple outlets, comes as Tulane moves forward without its top three quarterbacks. Freshman Darian Mensah has committed to Duke University, while Ty Thompson and Kai Horton have entered the transfer portal. With a vacancy at quarterback, Finley’s experience could fill the need as Tulane seeks to solidify the position, according to the report by WDSU.
Finley, who has dealt with injuries throughout his career, is seeking a medical redshirt that would extend his eligibility by two years. His 2024 season at Western Kentucky was interrupted by a lower leg injury sustained early in the campaign. "Tulane lands well-traveled quarterback T.J. Finley out of the transfer portal," reported NOLA, pinpointing his perseverance through physical adversity.
With a 9-4 record and a narrow loss to Army in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game, Tulane is looking to rebuild with Finley at the helm. The team aims to capitalize on his experience as it rebrands for the future. Despite a shortened 2024 season due to injury, where he recorded one touchdown and two interceptions, Finley’s arrival brings renewed possibilities for the Green Wave.
