TJ Finley Makes History With Seventh College Football Team

In a college football landscape increasingly defined by player movement, eligibility extensions, and the ever-expanding transfer portal, few stories capture the spirit of this new era quite like that of quarterback TJ Finley. On January 14, 2026, Finley—a name already familiar to fans across the Southeast and beyond—committed to Incarnate Word, marking his unprecedented seventh stop in a collegiate career that has spanned the better part of a decade.

Finley’s journey began in 2020 when the Ponchatoula, Louisiana, native, rated as the top quarterback prospect in his state, signed with LSU. Thrust into action as a true freshman following an injury to Myles Brennan, Finley started five games for the Tigers. In those appearances, he completed 80 of 140 passes, notching a 57.1% completion rate, 941 passing yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions—a baptism by fire in the always-tough SEC. "He showed flashes of brilliance and a poise beyond his years," recalled one LSU assistant at the time, according to On3.

But the winds of change soon swept through Baton Rouge, and Finley entered the transfer portal in 2021. Thus began a whirlwind tour of college football: Auburn in 2021 and 2022, Texas State in 2023, Western Kentucky and Tulane in 2024 and 2025, and most recently, Georgia State in the 2025 season. Over the course of his odyssey, Finley has accumulated 7,372 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, 27 interceptions, and eight rushing touchdowns across 41 appearances. It's a stat line that’s as much a testament to his resilience as to his on-field ability.

Finley’s best statistical season came during his stint at Texas State in 2023. As the Bobcats’ starter, he threw for 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns with just eight interceptions across 13 games. That campaign put him firmly on the radar of programs looking for an experienced signal-caller. Yet, as the transfer portal’s influence grew and eligibility rules evolved—particularly those changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic—Finley’s collegiate journey continued. His recent waiver for a seventh year of eligibility, granted in December 2025, is a direct result of those shifting sands.

His 2025 season at Georgia State saw him appear in seven games, where he completed 127 of 201 passes (63.2%) for 1,244 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions. While the numbers weren’t as gaudy as his Texas State peak, they underscored his value as a veteran presence in a sport increasingly dominated by youth and quick turnover.

Now, as he prepares to suit up for Incarnate Word, Finley brings with him not just experience, but a unique perspective forged by six years of adapting to new systems, new coaches, and new teammates. The Cardinals, who are hoping to make a splash in the FCS ranks, will undoubtedly lean on Finley’s accumulated wisdom and leadership as they look to compete in a rapidly changing college football environment.

Finley isn’t the only high-profile transfer making waves in this offseason’s portal frenzy. The transfer portal, which remains open until January 16, 2026, has already seen a flurry of activity. Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation, recently committed to Oregon, where he could start if current Ducks quarterback Dante Moore leaves for the NFL. Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, another hot commodity, chose LSU, adding further intrigue to the SEC’s ever-competitive quarterback carousel. Meanwhile, other notable names such as Beau Pribula (now at Virginia) and Jalen Thompson (headed to Arizona State) have found new homes, underscoring just how pivotal the portal has become in shaping rosters and, ultimately, the fortunes of programs nationwide.

Amid this chaos, Incarnate Word has quietly assembled a roster with both local flavor and national experience. On January 13, 2026, Daedrion “Buddha” Garrett—a former Longview Lobo and Tulsa defensive back—announced his commitment to the Cardinals. Garrett, who entered the portal on January 2 after two seasons at Tulsa, brings a promising defensive pedigree. As a freshman, he recorded 39 tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Though his production dipped to 11 tackles last season, Garrett’s upside remains evident, and he joins fellow East Texans Ethan Brown and Lamont "LD" Smith at Incarnate Word. The program’s ability to attract both seasoned veterans like Finley and promising regional talents like Garrett speaks to its growing ambitions and appeal.

For Tennessee football, the transfer portal’s machinations have brought both opportunity and disappointment. The Vols missed out on Sam Leavitt, who signed with LSU, and saw Beau Pribula head to Virginia. With only inexperienced redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon currently on the roster, Tennessee’s quarterback situation remains unsettled. Several transfer candidates remain available, including Husan Longstreet (USC), Ethan Grunkmeyer (Penn State), and others, but none bring the level of experience or mileage that Finley offers.

Finley’s move to Incarnate Word also highlights the shifting dynamics of college football eligibility. The NCAA’s willingness to grant waivers and extend eligibility—especially in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions—has created opportunities for players to extend their careers and for programs to benefit from their experience. "A lot has changed in the college football world since Finley began his collegiate career. The landscape surrounding NIL and the transfer portal has taken the sport by storm in recent years, and Finley’s career has been aided by COVID eligibility rules," On3 noted.

As the transfer portal’s January 16 deadline approaches, programs across the country are racing to finalize their rosters, balancing the allure of proven veterans with the promise of incoming recruits. For Incarnate Word, the addition of Finley and Garrett could be the difference-makers in a season where experience and adaptability are more valuable than ever. The Cardinals, bolstered by Finley’s arm and leadership, as well as Garrett’s defensive instincts, are poised to make noise in the FCS ranks.

While it remains to be seen how Finley’s seventh college stop will play out, one thing is certain: his journey is emblematic of a new era in college football—one where perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change are as important as arm strength or athleticism. As fans and pundits alike watch this next chapter unfold, all eyes will be on San Antonio to see if Finley can bring his story full circle and lead Incarnate Word to new heights.