LSU Football: Why TJ Finley entering the transfer portal is best for both parties

According to multiple reports, LSU football sophomore quarterback TJ Finley is entering the NCAA transfer portal.

This move shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

We’ve been speculating for the last several weeks which Tigers quarterback would end up entering the transfer portal.

Finley always seemed like the most likely option to transfer.

Losing TJ Finley stings, but it’s what best for him and LSU football

You always hate to see a player transfer.

But in this situation, it’s what’s best for LSU and Finley.

The Tigers only have so many reps to go around. Giving equal reps to four quarterbacks isn’t ideal. With Finley expected to move on, it will make dividing the quarterback reps much easier for Ed Orgeron and the offensive staff.

Moving forward, I’d expect redshirt senior Myles Brennan and sophomore Max Johnson to split the starter reps. True freshman Garrett Nussmeier will almost certainly be the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart.

As for why this is what’s best for Finley?

Look, only one quarterback can be the starter for LSU. And Finley is too good to be buried on the depth chart.

The Louisiana native showed last year in the five games he started for the Tigers that he’s capable of being a starting quarterback in the SEC. He doesn’t need to be wasting away on the bench in 2021 — he needs to be seeing plenty of playing time somewhere.

Finley will be missed in Baton Rouge. He’s an extremely talented player that has a bright future.

And who knows, maybe he becomes another program’s version of Joe Burrow. If that’s what happens, it would be hard for LSU fans to root against the former three-star quarterback.