Western Kentucky lands commitment from Texas State QB TJ Finley

Texas State transfer quarterback TJ Finley has committed to Western Kentucky, he announced on Instagram.

The former Auburn and LSU quarterback left the SEC last offseason, taking the starting job at Texas State. In his one season with the Bobcats, the former three-star prospect thrived. He threw for 3,439 yards with 24 touchdowns and just eight interceptions, leading Texas State to a bowl win over Rice in the program’s first FBS bowl appearance.

He now heads to Western Kentucky, which has had success in recent years developing quarterback talent. Bailey Zappe was drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots, and Austin Reed has developed into an NFL prospect.

Finley started his collegiate career at LSU where he started five games as a true freshman in 2020, throwing for 941 yards and five touchdowns. He transferred to Auburn after the 2021 spring semester, where he shared playing time with Robby Ashford. In 13 appearances at Auburn, he threw for 1,251 yards and seven touchdowns.

The decision to leave Texas State comes after Jayden de Laura committed to the Bobcats earlier this week. A starter the past two seasons at Arizona, de Laura was replaced by Noah Fifita and never took the job back.

TJ Finley will compete with Caden Veltkamp for the starting job at Western Kentucky. The redshirt freshman withdrew from the transfer portal after throwing for 383 yards and five touchdowns in a win over Old Dominion in the Famous Toastery Bowl.

The Hilltoppers open the 2024 season at Alabama on Aug 31.