Former Tulane transfer quarterback TJ Finley is on his way to Georgia State, adding a veteran college quarterback to a Panthers program searching for stability at the position as Week 2 approaches. Finley entered the transfer portal in April but did not align with another program before the season started, making his decision to land at Georgia State a notable development for a team looking to bolster its passing game after a challenging opener.
Finley’s journey through college football has been far from straightforward. He began his collegiate career at LSU in 2020, starting five games as a true freshman. He completed 80 of 140 pass attempts for 941 yards, with five touchdowns and five interceptions. After LSU, he transferred to Auburn, where he spent two seasons and appeared in 13 games with six starts. At Auburn, he threw for 1,258 yards and seven touchdowns, along with five interceptions.
Following the 2022 season, Finley moved to Texas State, where he produced his best collegiate numbers. In 2023, he completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, earning All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention and Phil Steele All-Sun Belt Fourth Team recognition. His ascent to a standout season at Texas State made him a sought-after quarterback for the next step in his career.
After 2023, Finley again entered the transfer portal and landed at Western Kentucky in 2024. His action with the Hilltoppers was limited; he started the first three games of the season but suffered an injury in Week 3 that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. In those three starts, he threw for 490 yards and a touchdown.
Georgia State now adds Finley as they reset their quarterback room behind a Week 1 misstep that saw the Panthers’ quarterbacks struggle in a 63-7 loss to Ole Miss. Christian Veillieux and Cameran Brown combined for just 69 passing yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Finley’s extensive experience across six programs could bring needed leadership and a fresh offensive perspective to a Panthers squad seeking improved efficiency in the passing game.
It remains unclear when Finley will debut for Georgia State, but the Panthers’ next game is set for September 6 against Memphis at 7 p.m. ET, with ESPN+. If he can recapture the form he showed at Texas State and stay healthy, Finley provides a credible path to quarterback competition and potential offensive revitalization for Georgia State.
Summary: TJ Finley arrives in Atlanta with a long, varied college career and a track record of starting and producing at multiple stops. He offers Georgia State a veteran option to bolster a passing attack that struggled in Week 1, and his prior success at Texas State suggests he can contribute immediately if he adapts well to the Panthers’ system. A healthy Finley could help stabilize the quarterback room and inject optimism for the remainder of the season.
Additional comments: Finley’s diverse experience could also benefit Georgia State’s development culture, helping younger quarterbacks grow by example. If he earns the starting role, it will be a notable chapter in a career characterized by persistence and resilience. Positive spin: This move could unlock a more dynamic air raid-like approach for Georgia State, giving the Panthers a chance to rebound quickly and build momentum as the season progresses.