Justice Finkley, a former defensive end for the Texas Longhorns, has officially committed to the Kansas Jayhawks for his final year of eligibility. This move marks a significant transition for Finkley, who will return to the Big 12 Conference after spending the 2024 season with Texas in the Southeastern Conference.
Background and Recruitment
Finkley hails from Trussville, Alabama, where he attended Hewitt-Trussville High School. As a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, he was highly sought after, receiving offers from prestigious programs such as LSU, Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Penn State. Ultimately, he chose to play for the Texas Longhorns, joining a program with a storied history and a strong defensive tradition. citeturn0search1
College Career at Texas
During his tenure at Texas, Finkley appeared in 32 games over three seasons. In his freshman year (2022), he played in 12 games, recording seven tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks. His sophomore year (2023) saw increased production, with 14 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble across 14 games. However, in the 2024 season, his playing time diminished significantly, as he participated in only six games and registered five total tackles. citeturn0search0
Transfer to Kansas
In December 2024, Finkley entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, signaling his intent to seek a new opportunity for his final year of eligibility. After evaluating several options, he chose to transfer to the University of Kansas. This decision reunites him with the Big 12 Conference, where he began his collegiate career. His addition is expected to bolster the Jayhawks’ defensive line, providing experience and depth at the defensive end position. citeturn0search0
Impact on Kansas Football
Finkley’s commitment is a significant acquisition for the Kansas Jayhawks. His experience in the Big 12 and his tenure at a program like Texas bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the defensive unit. Kansas has been active in the transfer portal, aiming to strengthen its roster for the upcoming season. Finkley’s addition complements other transfers, such as defensive end Caleb Redd from Kentucky, enhancing the team’s defensive capabilities. citeturn0search0
Future Prospects
As Finkley prepares to join the Kansas Jayhawks, he brings with him a strong work ethic and a desire to make a significant impact in his final collegiate season. His experience in high-pressure games and his familiarity with the Big 12 Conference position him to contribute immediately to the Jayhawks’ defensive schemes. Kansas fans can anticipate a player eager to prove himself and leave a lasting legacy in his final year of college football.
In summary, Justice Finkley’s transfer to the Kansas Jayhawks represents a strategic move for both the player and the program. His experience and skills are expected to enhance Kansas’s defensive line, while he seeks to make the most of his final year of eligibility in a familiar conference setting.
