Going into the 2023 football season, Auburn Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Tigers’ roster.
Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] in his first season on the Plains.
Up next is transfer quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag]. Freeze was looking for an experienced quarterback to compete for the starting job and he pounced on Thorne once he entered the portal.
Preseason Player Profile
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
Height: 6-2
Weight: 203
Previous School: Michigan State
Class in 2023: Junior
247Sports Composite Ranking
Three-Star / No. 20 in Illinois / No. 26 QB
Career Stats
| Year | G | Completion Percentage | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rushing Yards | TDs |
| 2020 (MSU) | 4 | 56% (48-85) | 582 | 3 | 3 | 47 | 1 |
| 2021 (MSU) | 13 | 60% (234-388) | 3,233 | 27 | 10 | 181 | 4 |
| 2022 (MSU) | 12 | 63% (242-387) | 2,679 | 19 | 11 | 42 | 1 |
PFF Grades
| Year | Offense | Passing | Running | Run Block |
| 2020 | 69.4 | 71.8 | 57.6 | 60.0 |
| 2021 | 77.9 | 74.0 | 66.7 | 60.5 |
| 2022 | 71.8 | 70.7 | 61.7 | 60.0 |
Depth Chart Overview
Thorne is the presumptive start after Freeze prioritized adding a veteran quarterback after going through spring practice with [autotag]Robby Ashford[/autotag]. Having made 29 appearances and being a two-time captain for Michigan State, he gives Auburn the veteran quarterback that can lead the offense in Year 1 of the Freeze era.
He and returning starter Ashford are in a battle for the starting spot and Ashford isn’t going quietly but Thorne’s past success will carry the day and allow him to take advantage of the revamped offensive line and wide receiver room.