TJ Finley, Former LSU Quarterback, Moves to Tulane: A New Chapter in His Football Journey

The college football world is no stranger to the twists and turns that players face in their careers. Whether it’s injuries, coaching changes, or transfers, student-athletes often find themselves navigating a series of challenges in their pursuit of success. One such player who has experienced his share of change is quarterback TJ Finley. A former star for LSU (Louisiana State University), Finley’s decision to transfer to Tulane University marks the next step in his football journey. This move represents a fresh start for the talented quarterback, and it comes at a pivotal time in his career.

A Look Back: Finley’s Time at LSU

TJ Finley first gained national attention when he stepped onto the field for LSU as a true freshman in 2020. The Baton Rouge native had big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of LSU’s national championship-winning quarterback, Joe Burrow. Burrow’s historic season set a high bar for the LSU football program, and Finley’s arrival was seen as a significant moment for the Tigers.

Finley entered the spotlight in the second game of the 2020 season when he was thrust into a starting role after an injury to the starting quarterback, Myles Brennan. As a freshman, Finley showed flashes of promise, exhibiting a strong arm and a solid understanding of the game. In his first start against South Carolina, he threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, earning praise for his composure and poise.

Despite these early successes, Finley’s time as the starting quarterback was short-lived. LSU’s quarterback position was a revolving door throughout the 2020 season, with multiple players getting opportunities to start. Finley saw playing time in a few more games but ultimately lost the starting job to Max Johnson, who took over as the primary signal-caller for the Tigers.

The 2021 season at LSU was filled with uncertainty and inconsistency at the quarterback position. Finley’s opportunities became limited as LSU struggled through a disappointing season. With the firing of head coach Ed Orgeron following the conclusion of the season, it was clear that the program would be entering a new era under head coach Brian Kelly. Despite the coaching changes, Finley’s time at LSU seemed to be at an impasse, with the depth chart crowded and his role unclear moving forward.

The Decision to Transfer

In the world of college football, the transfer portal has become an increasingly popular option for players seeking new opportunities. For TJ Finley, this meant exploring other programs where he could continue his development as a quarterback and have the chance to start. After two seasons at LSU, Finley made the decision to enter the transfer portal following the 2021 season.

His decision to transfer was not entirely surprising. Despite flashes of potential during his time at LSU, Finley had not solidified himself as the program’s long-term solution at quarterback. With the arrival of new talent in Baton Rouge, including highly-rated recruits, Finley likely realized that his path to playing time at LSU would be limited.

For Finley, the transfer portal was an opportunity to find a fresh start, a new program, and a chance to prove himself on a different stage. Enter Tulane University.

Why Tulane?

Tulane University, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, presents a unique opportunity for a quarterback like TJ Finley. Tulane football has long been a respected program, but it has not consistently been a powerhouse in college football. However, in recent years, the Green Wave has shown signs of growth under head coach Willie Fritz. The program has achieved some success, including a strong showing in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), and has become more competitive on a national level.

One of the key factors that likely influenced Finley’s decision to transfer to Tulane is the opportunity for playing time. Unlike some of the powerhouses in college football, Tulane’s quarterback position may be more open for competition. Finley, who is still relatively young in his college career, would be entering a situation where he could compete for the starting role and potentially have a significant impact on the team. For a player like Finley, the chance to start and gain experience in a new environment was likely a major draw.

Additionally, Finley’s familiarity with the region played a role in his decision. Having grown up in Louisiana, Finley is no stranger to the culture and the football landscape in the state. Playing in New Orleans for a program like Tulane, located just a short drive from Baton Rouge, allows Finley to stay close to home while still embarking on a new chapter in his career.

The Fit at Tulane

From a football perspective, Finley’s skill set appears to be a good match for Tulane’s system. Tulane has run a relatively balanced offense under Coach Willie Fritz, relying on a strong running game complemented by the passing attack. Finley’s size and arm strength make him well-suited for an offense that asks its quarterback to make plays downfield while also maintaining the ability to manage a potent rushing attack.

Finley stands at 6’7″, which gives him a physical presence in the pocket. His strong arm has always been one of his defining attributes, and he has shown the ability to make all the necessary throws, whether it’s deep balls or intermediate passes. While Finley’s decision-making and consistency have been points of critique during his college career, his ability to throw the ball with velocity and precision is undeniable.

Tulane’s offense, which has featured dynamic quarterbacks in the past, will give Finley the opportunity to showcase his abilities and possibly elevate the program to new heights. The Green Wave has a talented roster that could benefit from a quarterback who is capable of leading them to success in the AAC, and Finley could be the missing piece in their pursuit of conference titles and bowl games.

Another aspect that could make Finley’s move to Tulane successful is the stability within the coaching staff. Under Coach Fritz, Tulane has maintained a solid coaching foundation that could help Finley grow as a player. Stability at the top, especially after the turnover at LSU, will provide Finley with the structure he needs to continue his development as a quarterback.

What’s Next for TJ Finley?

As TJ Finley transitions to Tulane, his focus will shift to competing for the starting quarterback job and adjusting to a new team, coaching staff, and offensive system. With a fresh start ahead of him, Finley will have to prove that he can take the next step in his development and become a reliable leader for Tulane.

The quarterback competition at Tulane will undoubtedly be fierce, as the Green Wave has other talented quarterbacks on the roster. However, Finley’s experience in the SEC, combined with his natural talent, makes him a strong contender for the starting job. If he can stay healthy, refine his skills, and showcase the leadership abilities that have been lacking at times in his career, Finley has the chance to thrive in his new environment.

Moreover, Finley’s decision to transfer to Tulane can be seen as a reflection of his desire to continue growing as a player and to take control of his career. By choosing Tulane, he’s not simply moving to a new school but embracing a challenge that will test his resilience, maturity, and determination.