The Auburn Tigers are looking to turn things around under new head coach Hugh Freeze after back-to-back losing seasons. They made a huge step in doing so Friday, bringing in an experienced quarterback in the transfer portal.
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne entered the transfer portal last week after two seasons as the starter with the Spartans.
He is now an Auburn Tiger after news broke that he officially transferred to the program on Friday. He took to social media to reveal the decision to his fans and appears quite excited for his new landing spot.
This decision certainly got the college football world talking, with many mixed opinions about Thorne coming to Auburn.
A little look at what new #Auburn QB Payton Thorne can do pic.twitter.com/IvVzqdS1Ua
— Jacob Waters (@JacobWaters_) May 5, 2023
PAYTON THORNE YOU ARE AN AUBURN TIGER 🦅😮💨 pic.twitter.com/Yb1IGLDQhj
— TorresOnAuburn 🥶 (@TorresOnAuburn) May 5, 2023
If Payton Thorne is the answer, one might wonder what the question is.
— parker fleming (@statsowar) May 5, 2023
Alright, time to watch every highlight of Payton Thorne until I’m convinced he’s the next Heisman winner
— Drunk Aubie (@DrunkAubie) May 5, 2023
Former MSU QB Payton Thorne has officially committed to Auburn, he announced 🦅 pic.twitter.com/INseErH5za
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 5, 2023
It was a rollercoaster tenure for Thorpe at Michigan State. In 2021 he broke the program’s passing touchdown record while leading the team to an 11-2 record. However, 2022 presented some struggles for him and the team, finishing the year at just 5-7 falling short of their lofty expectations.
Regardless, Thorpe will come in to potentially battle with sophomore quarterback Robby Ashford. Ashford played in 12 games last season for the Tigers and didn’t exactly light the world on fire with his play.
Thorpe’s experience likely gives him a solid chance to come into the 2023 season as the starter. If he can realize the success he has in 2021, the Auburn Tigers could become a team to watch in the SEC next year.
