One of the main inconsistencies surrounding Auburn’s football program dating back as far as the 2021 season is quarterback play.
This season was no different, as [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] and [autotag]Robby Ashford[/autotag] split snaps in 10 of Auburn’s 13 games this season. Ashford’s role was not surprising to him, as he shared snaps with TJ Finley during the 2022 season as well.
However, after it was made obvious that Thorne would be the main guy rolling into the 2024 season, Ashford elected to enter the transfer portal.
Problem solved, right? The issue is far from being resolved.
Three quarterbacks saw action for the Tigers in their 31-13 loss to Maryland in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl last Saturday, combining to complete 21-of-42 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Auburn starter [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] managed to complete 13-of-27 passes for just 84 yards and a score while [autotag]Holden Geriner[/autotag] could only complete 1-of-6 passes for eight yards. Both players threw one interception in the contest.
True freshman [autotag]Hank Brow[/autotag]n was Auburn’s most efficient passer by passing for 132 yards on seven completions.
Brown’s performance, and the lackluster efforts from Auburn’s two most experienced signal callers, leaves [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] to make serious decisions regarding the position in 2024.
Freeze told reporters that the quarterback job is “wide open” for next season following Auburn’s bowl loss, and that everyone will need to step up in order to earn the right to be called QB1 next season.
All three of Auburn’s quarterback participants are set to return next season, and true freshman [autotag]Walker White[/autotag] is set to join the roster in January, thus throwing his name into consideration for the job during spring practice.
Although Freeze has mentioned that he plans on staying with his current quarterback unit for the 2024 season, there are several viable options remaining in the transfer portal as of the timing of this post. Several uncommitted names that remain in the transfer portal include Missouri’s Jake Garcia, Florida State’s Tate Rodemaker, and USC‘s Malachi Nelson.
No matter who wins the quarterback battle in 2024, I think every Auburn fan would love more consistency out of the winning candidate going forward.
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