TJ Finley’s college football journey has always been anything but ordinary, but as of January 14, 2026, the quarterback’s story has taken yet another remarkable turn. After a whirlwind career that’s spanned the SEC, Sun Belt, Conference USA, and now the FCS, Finley has officially signed with Incarnate Word for what will be his unprecedented seventh college football program and seventh year of eligibility.
Finley, who most recently played for Georgia State in the 2025 season, is no stranger to packing his bags and learning new playbooks. With stops at LSU, Auburn, Texas State, Western Kentucky, Tulane, and Georgia State already behind him, his move to Incarnate Word makes him one of the most well-traveled quarterbacks in the modern era of college football. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, "Transfer QB TJ Finley has signed with Incarnate Word." The move was confirmed late Tuesday night, cementing another chapter in a career that’s as winding as any in recent memory.
It’s hard to overstate just how rare Finley’s path has been. Coming out of Ponchatoula High School in Louisiana, he was a three-star recruit in the 2020 class, ranked No. 432 overall and No. 32 among quarterbacks by the Rivals Industry Ranking. He joined LSU in the same recruiting class as future NFL stars like Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, opting to stay close to home. When Myles Brennan went down with an injury three games into the 2020 season, the true freshman Finley was thrust into the starting role for the Tigers. He started five games, passing for 941 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions, and led LSU to a 2-3 record in those games. Notably, his stats from that season didn’t count toward his eligibility due to the NCAA’s COVID-19 policies.
After that season, Finley entered the transfer portal for the first time—a decision that would become a recurring theme in his career. He landed at Auburn, where he spent two seasons. In 2021, he filled in as a starter for the injured Bo Nix, making six starts over 13 appearances. The following year, he was named Auburn’s starter but his season was cut short by a sprained AC joint, and he ultimately redshirted after four games due to the injury.
Undeterred, Finley transferred again, this time to Texas State for the 2023 season. There, he delivered his best statistical season by far: he started all 13 games, threw for a program-record 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns, and rushed for five more scores. He also limited his turnovers, tossing just eight interceptions. It was the kind of campaign that reminded everyone why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school.
But just as things seemed to be on the upswing, Finley’s luck turned. He transferred to Western Kentucky in 2024 and earned the starting job, but his season ended abruptly after a leg injury in Week 3. Granted a medical redshirt, he made yet another move—this time to Tulane. However, his stint with the Green Wave was short-lived; he was dismissed from the team after an arrest related to possession of a stolen car, according to multiple reports. That led him back to the transfer portal and, eventually, to Georgia State for the 2025 season.
At Georgia State, Finley’s year was marred by a nagging shoulder injury that limited his effectiveness. He appeared in seven games, splitting time at quarterback, and finished with 1,244 passing yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions. It wasn’t the storybook ending he or the Panthers had hoped for, but it did set the stage for one last act in his storied college career.
Now, as he prepares for his seventh and likely final season, Finley joins an Incarnate Word program that’s quietly become a landing spot for quarterbacks looking to revive or boost their careers. The Cardinals, who finished 5-7 in 2025, have recently helped signal-callers like Cam Ward and Zach Calzada take the next step, with both moving on to Power 4 conferences. For Finley, Incarnate Word represents a chance to showcase his talent one more time, perhaps with an eye on the NFL or, at the very least, to end his college journey on a high note.
Finley’s path has not been without its challenges. Constantly changing systems, learning new offenses, and adjusting to fresh teammates every year is no easy feat for any quarterback. As one observer noted, "The fact that TJ Finley is on his 7th program does make it harder for him to develop, as he's constantly changing systems and playing with fresh faces." Still, his perseverance and adaptability have kept him in the game, and his journey has become a symbol of the modern transfer portal era.
Speaking of the transfer portal, this year’s window has been particularly tight. The NCAA’s 15-day winter portal, open from January 2 to January 16, 2026, is the only opportunity for football players to enter their names this year. The spring window was eliminated, forcing athletes to make quick decisions. For those still playing in the College Football Playoff, there’s a five-day window after their team’s final game. The 2026 CFP semifinals occurred on January 8 and 9, and the national championship between Miami and Indiana is set for January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Finley, now 24 years old as he heads into spring practice, has successfully lobbied for a seventh year of eligibility—a feat in itself. His story is one of resilience, adaptation, and, perhaps, a bit of stubbornness. Whether he’ll find lasting success at Incarnate Word remains to be seen, but if his past is any indication, fans can expect a few more twists before the final whistle blows.
As the 2026 college football season approaches, all eyes will be on Finley and the Cardinals to see if this final stop will finally bring the stability and success that’s eluded him so far. Whatever happens, TJ Finley’s journey stands as a testament to the unpredictable, ever-changing landscape of college football—and to the players who refuse to give up on their dreams, no matter how winding the road may be.
