Can Michigan State QB transfer Payton Thorne be a fit for Auburn?​

ByCHRISTIAN CLEMENTE 35 minutes ago



As Auburn continues to search for a quarterback addition, a new name has emerged. Former Nebraska and Texas quarterback Casey Thompson is one, with Thompson expected to arrive in Auburn on Sunday for a visit. But on Sunday, another name has appeared.

Former Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne entered his name into the portal as a graduate transfer, with Auburn a strong potential fit.

Beginning his collegiate career in 2019, Thorne redshirted as a freshman and played in four games as a redshirt freshman in 2020.


Taking over as the starter in 2021, Thorne set Michigan State records as he led the team to an 11-2 record and a Peach Bowl win, finishing the year as an honorable mention for All-Big Ten accolades and being ranked No. 8 in the final poll. Thorne completed over 60 percent of his passes for 3,240 yards, 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, also rushing for 181 yards and four touchdowns. Thorne's 27 passing touchdowns broke Kirk Cousins' single-season record at Michigan State.

Under Mel Tucker the Spartans offense took a step back in 2022, as Thorne had 2,679 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 62.5 percent of his passes. Thorne was a team captain for the Spartans in both 2021 and 2022.

Originally from Naperville, Illinois, Thorne was the No. 1,080 recruit and No. 26 dual-threat quarterback in his recruiting class. Michigan State lists Thorne at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds.

Auburn currently still has Robby Ashford, Holden Geriner and T.J. Finley on roster at quarterback, with Hank Brown set to enroll as a freshman next month.

Thompson will be a good fit for somebody. Wish him the best of luck!

Payton Thorne is absolute ass

What's going on in East Lansing?

Red Dog said:

Payton Thorne is absolute ass

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apparently Mel said the QB job was wide open going into spring and they had as three-way QB battle in the spring. After the SG Mel said there was no clear winner of the starting job and that the competition would continue through fall camp. This is Thorne's last year.

Carm said:

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Wonder if Michigan St would go after Thompson? They could promise him a starting position.

MtnHusker said:

Wonder if Michigan St would go after Thompson? They could promise him a starting position.

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Probably they can't - Thorne left because he was locked into a 3 way race for the starting job. Tucker opened the Spring by saying the QB job was wide open, said after the SG no clear leader had emerged, and said the competition would continue through fall camp. I assume that is why Thorne left.

ole midnight Mel is a sonofabitch

We got any posters who live in Michigan? Would love to know what they are saying up there about him leaving.

MtnHusker said:

We got any posters who live in Michigan? Would love to know what they are saying up there about him leaving.

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@Black Dean is the master of checking other team’s boards

MtnHusker said:

We got any posters who live in Michigan? Would love to know what they are saying up there about him leaving.

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HuskerGarrett said:

@Black Dean is the master of checking other team’s boards

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I still have On3. I can take a look.

Looks like MSU fans are freaking out and some players have told people to relax on Twitter. The fan takes really sound a lot like the ones we see on here. They have people blaming their NIL not being good enough, some blaming player loyalty, others want old college football back. If anything, I think this just shows that even NIL can't overcome losing. If you want to get and keep players then.. just win baby.

MtnHusker said:

We got any posters who live in Michigan? Would love to know what they are saying up there about him leaving.

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I live in Michigan. It’s like CT - some are upset because they think Thorne is the best of the three. Others like the fact there are two guys good enough to scare him off, but they’re still mad he’s going because they want experienced depth. I think Tuckers okay with most of the fan base although there are a few bashing the state of the program.
I live about 50 minutes from E Lansing and 25 minutes from Ann Arbor

CornHub said:

I think this just shows that even NIL can't overcome losing.

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the truest words I’ve read about NIL. @HuskerGarrett can you post this on the banner ? Belch