LSU’s quarterback situation in 2020 was a revolving door. Following the departure of [autotag]Joe Burrow[/autotag], the Tigers failed to find a steady presence behind center.
[autotag]Myles Brennan[/autotag] began the year as QB1 before an injury ended his year. LSU was then forced to play two true freshmen: [autotag]TJ Finley[/autotag] and [autotag]Max Johnson[/autotag].
Finley and Johnson both had their moments. Finely led LSU to a win over South Carolina in his first start, completing 81% of his passes for 265 yards and two scores.
The next week, Finley struggled at Auburn, leading LSU to give Johnson a chance.
Johnson’s high came at Florida. 2020 was a struggle for LSU, but Johnson managed to lead an upset of No. 6 Florida in the Swamp. Johnson threw three scores that night and looked like the future of the position.
Finley transferred to Auburn and Johnson won LSU’s starting job in 2021. He put up a respectable performance and threw for 27 TDs, but following Ed Orgeron’s departure, Johnson hit the portal and ended up at Texas A&M.
Both quarterbacks went on to see coaching changes at their second school. Finley left Auburn after Bryan Harsin was fired, transferring to Texas State.
Johnson spent the last two years at Texas A&M but transferred to North Carolina during the Aggies’ coaching transition.
As both enter their fifth year of college football, Finley is on his fourth stop while Johnson is on his third.
Some were confused by Finley’s decision to enter the portal after his year at Texas State. Finely threw for 3,440 yards and 24 touchdowns, and his 103.8 NFL passer rating was second in the Sun Belt. Despite those numbers, Texas State went in a different direction, eventually landing former James Madison QB Jordan McCloud.
Now, Finley is at Western Kentucky, where he has the chance to lead another explosive offense. Johnson is at North Carolina with the Tar Heels hoping he can replace the big shoes of Drake Maye.
Finley and Johnson are talented players who have been dealt tough hands in their collegiate careers given the state of the programs they played for. Much of it was out of their control, but both will look to make the most of their new spots in 2024.
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