Quarterback Payton Thorne Announces Sudden Departure from Auburn Tigers Football Program… read more

Quarterback Payton Thorne Announces Sudden Departure from Auburn Tigers Football Program

Auburn University’s football program was shaken today as quarterback Payton Thorne announced his unexpected departure from the team. Thorne, who transferred to Auburn from Michigan State in the offseason, made the announcement on social media, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the sudden decision and its potential impact on the Tigers’ upcoming season.

In his statement, Thorne expressed gratitude for his time at Auburn, noting the support from fans, teammates, and coaches. However, he did not provide specific details about the reasons behind his departure. “This has been a difficult decision, but after much thought and reflection, I feel that it’s the right choice for my future. I want to thank Auburn University, my coaches, and my teammates for their support and for giving me the opportunity to play for such an incredible program. I will always cherish the memories made here,” Thorne wrote on social media.

Thorne joined the Tigers this past spring after a successful stint at Michigan State, where he started for multiple seasons and gained recognition as one of the Big Ten’s top quarterbacks. His arrival in Auburn was seen as a major addition, as he was expected to step into the starting role and bring stability to the quarterback position, which had been a point of uncertainty for Auburn in recent years.

During his time at Michigan State, Thorne posted impressive numbers, including over 6,000 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. He was known for his ability to manage games, showcase mobility in the pocket, and lead the Spartans to several important victories. Many believed that his experience and leadership would be key factors in Auburn’s offense this season.

His decision to transfer to Auburn was met with optimism from fans, as it was seen as an opportunity for the Tigers to elevate their quarterback play. With the backing of head coach Hugh Freeze, who was entering his first season at Auburn, the hope was that Thorne could provide consistency and elevate the offense.

However, Thorne’s time at Auburn was not without its challenges. He faced fierce competition for the starting quarterback role during fall camp, with freshman Robbie Ashford and redshirt sophomore Holden Geriner also vying for the job. Despite his experience, Thorne had to battle for the position, a situation that may have contributed to his decision to leave the program.

While Thorne’s departure leaves a significant gap at quarterback for Auburn, the team has several options to consider moving forward. Ashford, who started several games last season, remains a strong candidate to take over as the team’s starting quarterback. Geriner, who showed promise in limited action, is also expected to compete for the role. Additionally, the Tigers are likely to explore the transfer portal for potential reinforcements at quarterback.

The timing of Thorne’s departure is particularly concerning for Auburn, as the team is just a few weeks away from the start of the spring practice sessions. With a new coaching staff in place and several key roster changes, the Tigers are in the midst of a crucial period of preparation for the 2025 season. Thorne’s exit further complicates an already uncertain quarterback situation, and the team will need to quickly adjust to fill the void.

As for Thorne’s next steps, it remains unclear whether he intends to pursue another transfer or enter the NFL Draft. His departure from Auburn marks the end of a short, yet eventful chapter in his college football career, and his next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.