Analyst’s strong message on Auburn QB transfer’s portal prospects: ‘May have to bite bullet’

Auburn football transfer portal quarterback TJ Finley “may have to bite the bullet” when it comes to his next destination — this, at least, according to FanSided’s John Buhler, who pitched a trio of Group of Five schools for the Louisiana native that’d bring him back to his home state.

“Finley could look to return to his native Louisiana in his second trip into the portal,” Buhler wrote. “There are options to be had, whether that be Louisiana, Louisiana Tech or even Tulane. However, those schools all compete at the Group of Five level. Up to this point, Finley has been an SEC guy. If he wants to start at this point of his career, he may have to bite the bullet and head to the Sun Belt.”

Finley announced his decision to leave the Plains upon graduation from Auburn University on May 2 following two seasons of starting several games but ultimately ending up as a backup to Bo Nix in 2021 and Robby Ashford in 2022.

Auburn football transfer portal QB TJ Finley linked to Ohio State

The primary transfer portal destination linked to Finley thus far has been Ohio State, though Southeastern Louisiana could be a safe option given his brother Kody is a receiver there. Of course, Columbus looms as a much preferable option, especially if Finley can end up starting for the Buckeyes — a College Football Playoff contender that came closest to beating the unbeaten 2022 CFP champion Georgia Bulldogs.

What it comes down to at Ohio State for Finley is overcoming Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, who cannot boast the big-game experience the LSU-turned-Auburn-turned-TBD two-time transfer possesses. If Ryan Day finds Finley to be the best fit in his offense — and the shoes under center to fill will be massive given CJ Stroud’s departure –, the Ponchatoula product could find himself starting for a third team that’s won a title since 2010.