Finley attended and played high school football at Ponchatoula High School in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, and began his college career at LSU before transferring to Auburn the following year and then would transfer to Texas State two years later.

[6][7] He was named the Tigers' starting quarterback leading up to the team's October 24, 2020, game against South Carolina following an injury to starter Myles Brennan.

[9] Finley started five games and finished the season with 80-of-140 passes for 941 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions.

[10] After competing with quarterbacks Myles Brennan and Max Johnson in spring practice, Finley announced he would be entering the transfer portal.

[12][13] On September 25, 2021, Finley would come in in the fourth quarter for a benched Bo Nix and throw the game-winning touchdown versus Georgia State.