Atlanta, September 1, 2025
News Summary
T.J. Finley, a quarterback with an extensive collegiate background, has signed with the Georgia State Panthers. Finley, who has played for multiple programs, is set to compete for the starting position after a tough season opener for Georgia State. His impressive stats, including a breakout season at Texas State, make him a promising addition as the Panthers look to improve their prospects this season.
Atlanta Welcomes T.J. Finley to the Panthers
In an exciting development for the Georgia State Panthers, tall quarterback T.J. Finley has officially signed with the football program. This news, which surfaced earlier this week, comes on the heels of a complicated collegiate journey for Finley that has seen him play across five different programs.
A Winding Journey
Finley hails from Ponchatoula, Louisiana, where he made a name for himself at Ponchatoula High School. Since then, his collegiate career took him to LSU, Auburn, Texas State, Western Kentucky, and most recently Tulane. Over 34 games, Finley has showcased his skills with impressive stats, accumulating 6,128 passing yards, throwing for 37 touchdowns, and making 20 interceptions.
Signing with Georgia State
Now, he’s joined the Panthers just in time for the team’s Week 2 matchup against Memphis, set to be held at Center Parc Stadium right here in Atlanta. This marks a unique chapter in his career, as this is Finley’s sixth FBS program, and it’s not every day a player hops around quite like he has in college football.
Finley’s Best Season
Finley had his breakout season in 2023 while playing for Texas State. During that year, he threw for an impressive 3,439 yards, notching 24 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions. His performance earned him an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention, highlighting his potential on the field. Finley led Texas State to remarkable success, including their first-ever bowl victory in the 2023 First Responder Bowl, where they triumphed over Rice with a score of 45-21.
Challenges Faced
Throughout his journey, Finley faced challenges that included a COVID redshirt, a medical redshirt, and a tough ankle injury that cut his time at Western Kentucky short during the 2024 season. His brief period at Tulane ended with a suspension linked to a mishap involving a Facebook Marketplace scam regarding a stolen vehicle, but he was later cleared of those issues.
Prospects with Georgia State
Georgia State is eager for a quarterback revamp after a tough season opener where starter Christian Veilleux struggled significantly, completing just 4 of 11 passes in a lopsided defeat against No. 21 Ole Miss. With Finley’s extensive background and proven achievements, he emerges as a strong contender for the starting spot. He is already on the practice field with his new teammates, and fans are buzzing about the possibility of seeing him take the field as soon as this upcoming Saturday.
A Fresh Start
This transition represents a fresh start for both T.J. Finley and the Georgia State Panthers. The team looks to harness Finley’s experience and talent to improve their prospects for this season. With the potential for a big debut, it’s an encouraging time for football fans in Atlanta as they await what promises to be an exciting new chapter in Finley’s career.
Tulane’s Changes
Interestingly, while Finley finds a new home, the Tulane football program is facing its own changes. They are losing all three of their top quarterbacks due to transfers, including the talented freshman Darian Mensah moving to Duke University. The team is looking to rebuild after ending the 2024 season with a respectable 9-4 record and a deep run that saw them finish in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game.
FAQs
What is T.J. Finley’s background in college football?
T.J. Finley has played for five collegiate programs: LSU, Auburn, Texas State, Western Kentucky, and Tulane, before joining Georgia State.
What are Finley’s career stats?
Finley has garnered 6,128 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions across 34 games.
When will T.J. Finley debut for Georgia State?
His debut could potentially occur during the next game against Memphis, scheduled for the upcoming Saturday.
What challenges did Finley face during his college career?
His career included COVID-related redshirts, a season-ending ankle injury, and a brief suspension while at Tulane.
Why is Finley joining Georgia State significant?
This signing could signal a new beginning for both Finley and the Panthers, which are looking to improve their quarterback position after a disappointing opener.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Crescent City Sports: Former LSU, Tulane Quarterback T.J. Finley Joins Georgia State
- WDSU: Report: Former Ponchatoula High School LSU QB T.J. Finley Transferring to Tulane
- WGNO: Ponchatoula Product T.J. Finley Signs With Tulane
- Sports Illustrated: Former LSU Football Quarterback T.J. Finley Arrested, Suspended by Tulane Green Wave
- Times Now News: Who is Tyler T.J. Finley and Why Was the Tulane Green Wave QB Arrested?
- Wikipedia: T.J. Finley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: T.J. Finley
- Google Search: T.J. Finley
- Google News: T.J. Finley
- Google Scholar: T.J. Finley
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
