T.J. Finley has won Auburn‘s starting quarterback job.
The Tigers open the 2022 season on Saturday against Mercer.
The 6-foot-7, 250-pound Finley had been competing this preseason with Oregon transfer Robby Ashford and Texas A&M transfer Zach Calzada for the starting job after Bo Nix transferred to Oregon this offseason. Finley started the final three games for Auburn last season after Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury and came off the bench in the second half in Week 4 to rally Auburn past Georgia State for a 34-24 victory.
After starting his career at LSU, Finley transferred to Auburn following the 2021 spring semester. He started in five games as a true freshman at LSU in 2020 and was 2-3 as a starter.
In 14 career games, Finley has thrown 11 touchdown passes and six interceptions to go along with two rushing touchdowns. He’s the only returning quarterback from Auburn’s team a year ago.
Coach Bryan Harsin has been impressed this preseason with Finley’s improved command of the offense under first-year coordinator Eric Kiesau. Finley’s ability to extend plays gives him an added dimension, and he’s also been more accurate as a passer.