Former SEC quarterback TJ Finley has opted out of playing college football in 2026, marking a significant turn in his career as he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision comes after a tumultuous college journey that included transfers among six different schools. Finley initially signed with Incarnate Word for a 7th season but will now pursue a professional career instead.

By the Numbers
  • Finley played in 5 games at LSU, completing 57.1% of his passes for 941 yards, 5 TDs, and 5 INTs.
  • During his breakout 2023 season at Texas State, he threw for 3,439 yards with a 67% completion rate, achieving a 24-to-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Yes, But

Finley鈥檚 turbulent college career included inconsistent performances and personal challenges, such as an arrest, raising questions about his readiness for the NFL despite his impressive 2023 season.

State of Play
  • Finley played 13 games for Texas State and 7 for Georgia State in the past two years.
  • He faced significant injuries during his time at Western Kentucky, limiting his performance in 2024.
What's Next

As Finley prepares for the NFL Draft, his scouting evaluation will be critical, with teams weighing his collegiate achievements against his instability and recent setbacks.

Bottom Line

Finley鈥檚 pivot to the NFL Draft is a chance for a fresh start, but his past inconsistencies and off-field issues may overshadow his potential as he seeks to impress professional teams.