TJ Finley is no stranger to change.
As one of the most well-traveled quarterbacks in college football, he has just entered the transfer portal for a sixth time, this time committing to play for Incarnate Word in 2026.
This marks the seventh school for the veteran signal-caller, a feat that, while not officially recorded, is believed to be a record for most school commitments in college football history.
In an exclusive interview with the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Finley reflected on his unique path:
“I set a high standard of what I want to do and what I want to accomplish in my life,” he said.
“I’m not stopping until I get there, no matter how it looks.”
A Rollercoaster College Career from LSU to Incarnate Word
Finley’s journey through college football has been anything but ordinary.
A three-star recruit out of high school in Louisiana’s Class of 2020, Finley initially made his way to LSU.
But his career was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which granted him an extra year of eligibility—a pivotal moment that would shape the next few years of his life.
He got his first real taste of college football as a true freshman at LSU, starting five games after the starting quarterback, Myles Brennan, suffered an injury.
But after just one season in Baton Rouge, Finley transferred to Auburn, where he would spend the longest stretch of his career.
The Auburn Years: Promise and Setbacks
At Auburn, Finley had his share of highs and lows.
In 2021, he played in nine games, earning three starts as he rose to second on the depth chart.
But the following year, injuries caught up with him, limiting his playing time to just four games.
After being sidelined for the rest of the season, Finley sought a fresh start once again, transferring to Texas State.
Finding Success at Texas State Before Another Move
It was at Texas State where Finley seemed to hit his stride.
In his lone season with the Bobcats, Finley threw for 3,439 yards and 29 combined touchdowns, leading the team to an 8-5 record.
The Bobcats capped off the year with a win over in-state rival Rice in the First Responder Bowl, marking one of the best seasons of Finley’s career.
However, the peace didn’t last long.
After a successful spell at Texas State, Finley’s journey took another unexpected turn as he transferred to Western Kentucky.
Unfortunately, injuries once again derailed his progress, and after only three games with the Hilltoppers, his season ended early.
A Legal Setback and a Quick Return to the Portal
As if the physical injuries weren’t enough, Finley’s time at Tulane was cut short after a legal incident.
He was arrested for the illegal possession of stolen property—specifically, a truck valued at over $25,000.
As a result, he was suspended indefinitely from the team before ever playing a game.
Just when it seemed like his college football career might be nearing its end, Finley made another decision to transfer, this time to Georgia State.
A Rough Season at Georgia State
Finley’s time with the Georgia State Panthers in 2025 didn’t go as planned.
Over the course of seven games, Finley’s performance left much to be desired, finishing with a dismal 1-6 record before being benched for the remainder of the season.
But instead of letting this setback define him, Finley turned to his final available option: the transfer portal.
A New Chapter at Incarnate Word
After a long and turbulent journey, Finley is set to continue his college football career at Incarnate Word, an FCS program.
This move marks the seventh school in his college career, a milestone that has turned Finley into something of a poster child for the ever-growing trend of player movement in college football.
The move to Incarnate Word, which has gained attention in recent years for its rising football program, will give Finley another shot at proving himself and perhaps finding stability.
The Changing Landscape of College Football Transfers
Finley’s story is becoming more and more common in today’s college football world, where transfers have become almost routine.
With new rules that allow players to enter the transfer portal multiple times, the number of athletes moving between schools has skyrocketed.
The ability to find the best opportunity, whether it’s for playing time, development, or a fresh start, has become a core aspect of the college football experience.
This shift has led to criticism from various corners, with fans, coaches, and administrators raising concerns about the impact of constant player turnover on team cohesion and the integrity of college football.
However, as Finley’s case demonstrates, the transfer portal offers players like him the chance to carve out a career, even after facing setbacks.
NCAA Adjustments to the Transfer Portal System
As the number of transfers continues to rise, the NCAA has recently made some adjustments to the transfer portal system.
For the 2026 season, the portal has been limited to a single 15-day window that runs from January 2 to January 16.
This change is designed to ensure teams can maintain roster stability heading into the new season.
Additionally, players in the College Football Playoff now have a five-day window after their final game to enter the transfer portal, reflecting the growing complexity of balancing the postseason with player movement.
The Future for TJ Finley
Looking ahead, Finley is hoping that his move to Incarnate Word will finally provide the stability and success that has eluded him in recent years.
As he prepares for the 2026 season, it’s clear that his journey through the transfer portal has been anything but conventional.
However, with a renewed sense of purpose, Finley is determined to finish his college football career on his own terms.
Whether or not he can achieve his lofty goals remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: TJ Finley’s path through college football has been a testament to resilience, determination, and the ever-changing nature of the sport.
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