In a shocking turn of events, TJ Finley, a transfer quarterback who joined the Tulane Green Wave for the 2025 season, has been suspended following his arrest for possessing stolen items. The news has sent ripples throughout the college football world, especially in New Orleans, where Tulane football has seen significant progress in recent years. Finley, who was expected to bring experience and leadership to the team, now faces a legal situation that will undoubtedly affect his football career.
The arrest and subsequent suspension of Finley bring to the forefront critical questions about college athletes, their responsibility on and off the field, and the impact such incidents can have on a program’s reputation. For Tulane, this development represents not only a setback for their quarterback room but also a challenge to maintain the positive momentum they’ve built under head coach Willie Fritz.
In this article, we will explore the details surrounding Finley’s arrest, the potential impact on Tulane football, and what this situation means for Finley’s future both in college football and beyond.
The Arrest: What Happened?
TJ Finley’s arrest took place in late March 2025, when the Tulane Police Department apprehended the 6’7”, 250-pound quarterback after authorities discovered that he was in possession of stolen items. Reports suggest that the stolen items were primarily electronics, although further details on the exact nature of the items have not yet been disclosed. The arrest has raised many questions about Finley’s involvement in the crime, with law enforcement continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stolen goods.
Finley, who had transferred to Tulane from Auburn University after spending several years in the SEC, had been an important piece in Tulane’s hopes for a successful 2025 season. The Green Wave had high expectations for the 22-year-old quarterback, who was slated to be the team’s starter after a few years of playing backup at Auburn. His arrival was expected to elevate Tulane’s offense and help continue the program’s upward trajectory.
However, the arrest has now put that on hold, and the legal consequences could impact not only his eligibility but also his standing in the locker room. Tulane’s head coach Willie Fritz issued a brief statement acknowledging the situation, confirming that Finley would be suspended indefinitely from team activities until the legal process unfolds.
“We take these matters seriously,” Fritz said in the statement. “TJ is suspended while we allow the legal process to run its course. We are focused on providing support to our players and ensuring that the team can continue to prepare for the upcoming season.”
This suspension comes at a critical juncture in the offseason, as teams across the country prepare for the spring and summer months, which are essential for developing chemistry and building depth on the roster. For Tulane, a team that had been riding high after a successful 2024 season, this setback could have significant repercussions.
Finley’s Career Before Tulane
Before transferring to Tulane, TJ Finley had a tumultuous but promising college career. The Louisiana native began his career at Auburn University, where he was regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. Standing at 6’7” and possessing a powerful arm, Finley quickly gained attention for his physical gifts and ability to make throws that few quarterbacks could match.
However, his time at Auburn was marked by inconsistency. Finley saw playing time during his freshman season, but the emergence of Bo Nix and other quarterbacks meant that Finley never quite found a permanent role in the Tigers’ offense. He spent most of his time backing up Nix and other quarterbacks, occasionally making appearances in blowout victories or mop-up duty, but he was never able to establish himself as the clear starter.
Despite the lack of consistent playing time at Auburn, Finley’s raw talent was enough to garner attention from schools across the country. His size and arm strength made him an intriguing prospect, and many believed that with the right coaching, he could develop into a star.
In 2024, Finley entered the transfer portal and ultimately made the decision to join Tulane, a program on the rise under head coach Willie Fritz. Finley’s arrival in New Orleans was met with excitement, as the Green Wave had been looking for a quarterback to lead their offense after Michael Pratt’s departure. Finley’s experience in the SEC, combined with his physical abilities, made him an ideal candidate to help Tulane maintain its place as a competitive program in the AAC and, potentially, make a run at a conference championship.
The prospect of Finley leading Tulane’s offense in 2025 was promising, as he was expected to be a key part of the team’s success. However, his arrest has cast a shadow over his potential impact and has forced the team to reconsider their plans moving forward.
The Impact on Tulane Football
The timing of Finley’s suspension couldn’t be worse for Tulane. The Green Wave had been riding a wave of optimism after a strong 2024 campaign, where they finished with a solid record and secured a bowl victory. With expectations high for 2025, Finley’s arrival was seen as a way to build on that success and take the offense to new heights.
The quarterback position is one of the most important in any football program, and having a proven player like Finley was expected to provide stability and leadership. Now, with Finley out indefinitely, Tulane’s quarterback room is left with Kai Horton, a player with limited experience at the college level. Horton is capable, but he doesn’t possess the same pedigree or experience as Finley, which leaves the Green Wave with a question mark at the most important position on the field.
This situation could lead to changes in Tulane’s offensive scheme or force head coach Willie Fritz to rely more heavily on the team’s running game and defense, both of which have been strengths in the past. The Green Wave also have a strong defense, so there’s no question that they can remain competitive in the American Athletic Conference, but without a stable quarterback, it may be difficult for Tulane to live up to the expectations they set for themselves in the 2025 season.
Moreover, Finley’s suspension could impact the morale and cohesion of the team. Players who had been looking forward to competing alongside Finley may feel disappointed, and the uncertainty surrounding his future with the program could create additional distractions during the offseason. While the team is likely to rally behind their coaches and focus on their development, it’s hard to ignore the impact that this incident will have on the program’s overall momentum.
The Legal Process and Future Implications
At this stage, the legal process for TJ Finley is still unfolding. While he has been arrested and suspended by Tulane, he is entitled to due process, and the final outcome of the case will determine the next steps for both Finley and the program. If Finley is found guilty, the consequences could range from a more extended suspension to permanent dismissal from the team, depending on the severity of the charges and the university’s policies.
In the best-case scenario for Finley, the charges could be dropped or reduced, and he could return to the team relatively quickly, provided he complies with any legal and university-imposed requirements. However, if the legal process results in a conviction or prolonged suspension, Finley’s football career could be in jeopardy, as this incident may affect his eligibility for future seasons or his standing with potential NFL scouts.
For Tulane, the situation is a delicate one. The program is committed to supporting its players off the field, but it must also uphold standards of conduct and responsibility. If Finley is cleared of charges and returns to the team, the university and coaching staff will likely have to implement some form of disciplinary action or rehabilitation program to help him learn from this incident. Tulane has long prided itself on building character and integrity among its athletes, and this situation will test the program’s ability to handle adversity.
