Brief Introduction of T.J. Finley
Tyler Jamal “T.J.” Finley is a prominent American football quarterback recognized for his powerful arm and commanding presence on the field. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7, Finley has navigated a dynamic collegiate career, playing for several high-profile programs, including LSU, Auburn, and Texas State. His journey is marked by notable achievements, including leading Texas State to its first-ever bowl game victory and setting a program record for passing yards in a season. Finley’s collegiate football career has been characterized by his resilience and adaptability as he has moved between different teams. He is currently the quarterback for Georgia State.
T.J. Finley Overview
| Full Name | Tyler Jamal Finley |
| Date of Birth | March 25, 2002 |
| Age | 23 |
| Birthplace | Ponchatoula, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 255 lb (116 kg) |
| Profession | American Football Quarterback |
| Current Team | Georgia State |
| Parents | David and Shannon Finley |
| Siblings | Kody Finley |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $200,000 |
Early Life and Education of T.J. Finley
T.J. Finley was born on March 25, 2002, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, to David and Shannon Finley. He grew up in his hometown and attended Ponchatoula High School, where he established himself as a dominant force on the football field. A three-year starter for the school, he was rated as the top prep quarterback in Louisiana in 2019. During his high school career, Finley accounted for an impressive 72 touchdowns, with 58 passing and 14 rushing. In his senior year, he completed 168 passes for 2,738 yards, throwing 21 touchdowns and rushing for another eight. His junior year was equally impressive, with 2,736 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. An honor roll student, Finley also lettered in basketball.
T.J. Finley’s Career
LSU (2020)
A highly-touted three-star recruit, Finley committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) while still a sophomore in high school, choosing the Tigers over offers from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Auburn, and Oregon. He enrolled at LSU a semester early in January 2020. As a true freshman, Finley was thrust into the starting quarterback role after an injury to Myles Brennan. In his first career start against South Carolina, he completed 17 of 21 passes for 265 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, also rushing for a touchdown. He started five games for the Tigers, leading them to victories over South Carolina and Arkansas, and finished the season with 941 passing yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions. Following spring practice, Finley entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Auburn (2021–2022)
In May 2021, Finley announced his transfer to Auburn University. During the 2021 season, he served as the backup to Bo Nix. In a memorable performance against Georgia State, Finley came off the bench in the fourth quarter to throw the game-winning touchdown. He took over as the starter after Nix suffered a season-ending injury. Finley was named the starting quarterback for the 2022 season but ultimately lost the job to Robby Ashford. In May 2023, after graduating from Auburn, he entered the transfer portal once again.
Texas State (2023)
Finley’s time at Texas State proved to be a career resurgence. In his lone season with the Bobcats, he had his most statistically successful year, throwing for 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns against eight interceptions. He also added five rushing touchdowns. Finley set the program record for passing yards in a season and led the Bobcats to their first-ever bowl game appearance and victory, a 45-21 win over Rice in the First Responder Bowl. His performance earned him an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention.
A Journeyman’s Path: Western Kentucky, Tulane, and Georgia State
In January 2024, Finley announced his transfer to Western Kentucky. However, an early-season injury limited his playing time, and he entered the transfer portal again in December 2024. He briefly committed to Tulane before re-entering the portal. In September 2025, it was announced that Finley had transferred to Georgia State.
T.J. Finley Personal Life & Family
T.J. Finley’s parents are David and Shannon Finley. He has a brother named Kody. His family has been a source of support throughout his collegiate journey. In September 2023, it was publicly shared that he and his fiancée, Amoura Graves, a former LSU and Auburn basketball player, were expecting twins.
Awards and Achievements of T.J. Finley
- 2019 LSWA Class 5A All-State
- All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention (2023)
- Phil Steele All-Sun Belt Fourth Team (2023)
- Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week (Week 1, 2023)
- Two-time Manning Award Star of the Week (2023)
- Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 selection (2023)
T.J. Finley Net Worth and Income
As of recent estimates, T.J. Finley’s net worth is approximately $200,000. This figure primarily stems from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals he has secured throughout his college career. These endorsements and partnerships have become a significant source of income for college athletes. His scholarship value at various institutions also contributes to his overall financial standing.
Legacy and Influence
T.J. Finley’s collegiate career is a modern-day example of a student-athlete navigating the opportunities and challenges of the NCAA transfer portal. His journey across multiple universities showcases his determination to find the right fit and continue competing at a high level. At Texas State, he left a significant mark by leading the program to unprecedented success, including their first bowl victory. His story is one of perseverance and the ability to adapt to new environments and offensive systems.
Interesting Facts about T.J. Finley
- Finley committed to LSU as a sophomore in high school.
- He faced the University of Alabama three times with three different teams (LSU, Auburn, and Western Kentucky).
- At 6-foot-7, he is one of the taller quarterbacks in college football.
- He led Texas State to its first-ever win over a Power Five opponent with a victory against Baylor.
Controversies
In August 2022, while at Auburn, Finley was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant for attempting to elude a police officer. In April 2025, he was suspended indefinitely from the Tulane football team following an arrest for illegal possession of a stolen vehicle, which was followed by his entry into the transfer portal.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Followers |
| Instagram (@tjfinley1) | 58k+ |
| Twitter (X) | 16k+ |
Finley maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his football career and personal life.
Final Words about T.J. Finley
T.J. Finley’s football journey is a testament to his resilience and unwavering self-belief. From the highs of starting as a true freshman in the SEC to revitalizing his career at Texas State and navigating multiple transfers, he has demonstrated a relentless drive to compete and succeed. As he embarks on the next chapter of his collegiate career at Georgia State, all eyes will be on the talented quarterback to see how he continues to shape his legacy on the gridiron.
