It was a shock to many Auburn fans and players when starting quarterback Bo Nix decided to part ways with the team and transfer.

Nix, who was injured towards the end of the season and suffered a broken ankle, was thought to play a huge role next season as the starting quarterback, but he decided to move on.

Now the team belongs to backup TJ Finley, who spoke on Nix’s departure and expectations for next year.

“I was kind of surprised,” Finley said, per Justin Hokanson of On3 Sports. “Bo is the type of guy to stick things out. Bo is a hard worker and a great leader. That decision had to be tough for him. He’s doing what he has to do to be the man God wants him to be. I applaud him for that.”

He then looked ahead to next year.

“The expectation does increase now that I’m the guy, right now… It is a year ahead of time,” Finley said, per Tom Green of AL.com.

Finley and the Auburn Tigers will face the Houston Cougars in the Birmingham Bowl.