Auburn has decided on TJ Finley to start the season under center at quarterback, as he won a competition that also included Texas A&M transfer Zach Calzada and Oregon transfer Robby Ashford.

Chris Low of ESPN reported that Finley would be the starter after he ended last season as the Tigers’ starter, and coach Bryan Harsin has been impressed with Finley’s improved command of the offense this preseason. Auburn opens its season Saturday at home against Mercer.

Finley was reported to have a lead in the competition for several days recently, and has evidently performed better in fall camp. Calzada was slow to return to the field following offseason shoulder surgery.

Calzada is perhaps most remembered for his performance last season in a 41-38 upset of Alabama when threw for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Tide.

Andy Burcham, the Auburn radio voice, said on WJOX last week that he wondered if Ashford would be used in special situations for Auburn as a new wrinkle to the offense, going beyond the expected reality that Finley would be the starter.

Finley started his career at LSU, and then was the backup last season to Bo Nix. However, he came on midway through the season, and got his first Auburn start came at South Carolina, where he was 17-32 for 188 yards with a 10-yard TD toss to Demetris Robertson. Then Finley went 17-26 for 137 yards against Alabama with an interception. And was 19-37 passing for 227 yards, and a touchdown in the Birmingham Bowl.