The Michigan State Spartans took a big hit Sunday as two offensive weapons entered the transfer portal.
247Sports.com reported that starting quarterback Payton Thorne had entered the portal, and Spartan Tailgate broke news that starting wide receiver Keon Coleman is now in the portal.
Losing either alone would have been a blow; losing both in the same afternoon is a tough break for head coach Mel Tucker.
Thorne passed for 2,679 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022 for the 5-7 Spartans. The entire offense had regressed from the previous season, when the Spartans finished 11-2. Thorne passed for 3,240 yards that year with 27 TDs and 10 picks.
Thorne is listed as a graduate transfer in the portal.
The 6-foot-4 Coleman caught 58 passes for 798 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022 after playing sparingly in his first year.
College football fans had mixed feelings on the news about the Michigan State stars.
As much as it pains us… wishing the best of luck to Payton Thorne and Keon Coleman with their futures. Two guys who gave it their all in the green and white. Good luck to these two💚💚💚💚 pic.twitter.com/WlcvcYdMzO
— Barstool Spartans (@BarstoolMSU) April 30, 2023
Payton Thorne leaving Michigan State after a poor season means a fresh start. Apparently I wasn’t clear enough: Never once meant to suggest he had no part in MSU’s struggles or that MSU might be ready to move on. Only that he is, too. Nothing else. Eager to see what’s next.
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) April 30, 2023
I’m stoked about this!!!!! Michigan State needed to move on from Thorne middle of 2022 season.
— Tuck Co〽️in’ (@SpartyOn21) April 30, 2023
Thorne will have a *much* better season than any MSU QB in 2023
Tucker is a bit like a hedge fund manager who’s taking real losses, but changing the statements to make it look like everything is fine. In September the bill comes due
— Bodogblog (@bodogblog) April 30, 2023
I think Payton Thorne can play in the NFL.
— Doug Warren (@iamDougWarren) April 30, 2023
[247Sports.com; Spartan Tailgate]
