Texas Transfer EDGE Justice Finkley Commits to Kansas
In a move that has captured the attention of the college football world, former Texas defensive edge rusher Justice Finkley has announced his commitment to the University of Kansas. The highly anticipated transfer decision comes as Finkley looks to embark on the next chapter of his career, leaving behind the Longhorns to join the Kansas Jayhawks’ football program. The announcement, made by his agency, marks a significant development for both Finkley and Kansas, as the Jayhawks continue to bolster their roster in hopes of improving their defensive performance in the upcoming season.
Justice Finkley’s journey to the college football ranks was one filled with promise and high expectations. A 6-foot-2, 250-pound edge rusher, Finkley was a highly recruited player coming out of high school. Rated as a four-star prospect, he was one of the top defensive players in the 2022 class, holding the No. 126 overall ranking nationally, the No. 14 edge rusher, and the No. 6 prospect in Alabama, his home state. Finkley’s ability to wreak havoc in the backfield with his speed and strength caught the attention of many major programs, but it was Texas that ultimately secured his commitment.
At Texas, Finkley joined a program that had been making waves in the Big 12 and had the ambition to return to national prominence. During his first season in Austin, Finkley appeared in 12 games, showing flashes of his potential as a disruptive force on defense. While he primarily played a reserve role during his first year, his contributions were vital to the defensive rotation. By his sophomore year, Finkley had earned more playing time and continued to develop as one of the program’s most promising defensive prospects.
However, despite his progress, the arrival of new talent, such as five-star defensive end Colin Simmons, pushed Finkley further down the depth chart. His playing time decreased significantly in the 2024 season, as he only logged 95 defensive snaps compared to the 284 snaps he had in 2023. As a result, Finkley found himself seeking more playing time, prompting his decision to enter the transfer portal after the 2024 season.
Finkley’s commitment to Kansas is seen as a strategic move that will benefit both him and the Jayhawks. The Kansas football program, under head coach Lance Leipold, has made significant strides in recent years, particularly with its defense. With an increased emphasis on improving the defensive line, Finkley’s addition is expected to fill a crucial need for Kansas, providing them with an experienced pass rusher who can make an immediate impact.
For Finkley, the decision to transfer to Kansas provides a fresh opportunity to prove himself. As a player who has already seen substantial action in the Big 12, he is well-versed in the demands of the conference and understands what it takes to succeed. By joining Kansas, Finkley will have a chance to not only contribute to the team’s defensive efforts but also improve his stock for a future career in the NFL. The move to Kansas represents a chance for a fresh start, where Finkley can be the focal point of a defensive line and showcase his skills in a new environment.
Kansas has long struggled to establish a consistent presence on defense, but under Leipold’s guidance, the program has shown signs of growth. The Jayhawks’ defense has improved in recent years, and Finkley’s arrival will add depth and talent to the defensive front. With his ability to rush the passer and disrupt opposing offenses, Finkley will play a key role in the Jayhawks’ defensive schemes. His ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks and stop the run will be vital in helping Kansas compete at a higher level in the Big 12.
The addition of Finkley also signals Kansas’s commitment to competing with the top programs in the conference. With a rising defense and an offense that has made strides under quarterback Jalon Daniels, the Jayhawks are aiming to become a more complete team. The presence of a seasoned edge rusher like Finkley can make a substantial difference in the team’s ability to compete against more established programs.
For Justice Finkley, this move marks the next step in his evolution as a player. The former Texas defensive lineman has always been known for his relentless motor and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, and he’ll bring that same energy to Kansas. His determination and hunger to prove himself after seeing reduced playing time in Austin will fuel his performances in Lawrence, where he will look to become a cornerstone of the defense.
Finkley’s decision to transfer to Kansas is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college football, where players have more freedom than ever to pursue opportunities that best fit their skill sets and aspirations. In a time when the transfer portal plays such a significant role in roster construction, Finkley’s decision highlights the importance of finding the right fit, both for the player and the program.
The commitment of Justice Finkley to Kansas is a major development that will have significant implications for both Finkley and the Jayhawks football program. As Kansas continues to build a competitive team in the Big 12, the addition of an experienced pass rusher like Finkley will undoubtedly help solidify their defense. For Finkley, this represents a fresh opportunity to prove himself on a new stage and enhance his future prospects, all while contributing to Kansas’s growth as a program. Fans of both Texas and Kansas will be watching closely as Finkley’s career continues to unfold in Lawrence.