Payton Thorne

Thorne transferred to Auburn after two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Michigan State Spartans. Thorne is expected to beat out Robby Ashford, who largely struggled with his chances under center a season ago. Thorne had a standout campaign as a redshirt freshman in 2021, passing for 3,240 yards, 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He took a step back last season, though, passing for just 2,679 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Thorne did complete a career-best 62.5-percent of his passes in 2022, though this number still likely needs improvement if he is to enter the conversation of upper-echelon starters. He also does not provide much in the way of rushing; Thorne managed just one rushing touchdown last year, and his yards lost in terms of sacks all but swallowed up any yards he gained with his legs. Still, Thorne will have offensive-minded new head coach Hugh Freeze directing him, whose offenses at Liberty averaged over 400 yards per game in four seasons.