Payton Thorne has rapidly made a name for himself as the quarterback for Auburn University’s football team. Known for his leadership and solid performance on the field, Thorne has successfully transitioned from Michigan State to Auburn. His journey from high school standout to a key player in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has been filled with growth, challenges, and victories.
In 2023, Thorne made a high-profile transfer from Michigan State to Auburn, aiming to lead the Tigers and face tougher competition in the SEC. Despite some ups and downs, including notable moments in the 2024 season, he continues to draw attention for his impressive statistics and role in the team.
Key Takeaways
- Payton Thorne is the starting quarterback for the Auburn Tigers, having transferred from Michigan State in 2023.
- He has shown leadership on the field, with strong performances and over 1,000 passing yards in the 2024 season so far.
- Thorne’s football journey started in high school, where he earned accolades and recognition for his talent.
- His transfer to Auburn was motivated by the chance to play under coach Hugh Freeze and compete in the SEC.
- Thorne’s career statistics include over 8,948 passing yards and 72 touchdowns.
Payton Thorne – A Talented Quarterback with Leadership Skills
Payton Thorne began his journey to football fame in high school. He attended Metea Valley High School and later transferred to Naperville Central High School in Illinois. At Naperville Central, he stood out, earning the title of Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year for his exceptional senior season performance. Thorne threw for 3,113 yards and 40 touchdowns, a clear demonstration of his potential early on.
This early success opened the doors for him to join Michigan State University (MSU), where he played for two seasons as the starting quarterback. During his time at MSU, Thorne showcased his talent, accumulating over 6,500 passing yards and leading the team to some memorable wins. His standout season came in 2021, with 3,240 passing yards and 27 touchdowns.
Payton Thorne Michigan State – Building a Strong Foundation
Thorne’s time at Michigan State was foundational to his growth as a quarterback. At MSU, he started 26 out of 29 games, cementing his place as a reliable player. He finished his time there ranking among the school’s leaders in several passing categories, including touchdowns and passing yards.
During his standout 2021 season, Thorne led Michigan State to an 11-2 record, a season that included winning the Peach Bowl against Pittsburgh. This success put him on the map as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten.
Payton Thorne Transfer to Auburn – A New Opportunity
In 2023, Thorne made a significant decision to transfer from Michigan State to Auburn University. This move came after evaluating his options and looking for new challenges. Thorne saw Auburn and the SEC as the perfect place to continue his development and make an impact on a larger stage. He was particularly drawn to the chance to play under head coach Hugh Freeze, known for his quarterback-friendly system.
The transfer brought Thorne into the highly competitive SEC, a conference known for its elite defenses and high level of play. His transition to Auburn hasn’t been without its challenges, but Thorne’s leadership and experience have been valuable assets for the Tigers.
Payton Thorne at Auburn – A Promising Start in the SEC
Since joining Auburn, Payton Thorne has faced intense competition but has shown moments of brilliance. As of the 2024 season, he has thrown for 1,038 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. These stats reflect both his adaptability and the challenges of playing in the SEC, where every game is a battle.
One of the most recent highlights in Thorne’s 2024 season was his performance against Oklahoma, where he threw a touchdown but also faced a tough pick-6. Despite the ups and downs, Thorne’s experience, composure, and ability to read defenses have made him a valuable player for Auburn.
Summary Table: Payton Thorne’s Career Highlights
| Team | Seasons | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State (MSU) | 2020-2022 | 6,494 | 49 | Led MSU to a Peach Bowl victory in 2021 |
| Auburn | 2023-Present | 1,038 (2024 season) | 10 (2024 season) | Starting QB for Auburn in the SEC |
| High School (Naperville Central) | Senior Year | 3,113 | 40 | Named Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year |
Payton Thorne’s High School Journey – Where It All Began
Before becoming a college football star, Payton Thorne honed his skills in high school. Initially attending Metea Valley High School, Thorne transferred to Naperville Central, where he became a standout player. His senior season was especially impressive, as he threw for over 3,100 yards and 40 touchdowns, earning him the prestigious title of Player of the Year in the Chicago Sun-Times.
This performance attracted the attention of college scouts, leading him to join Michigan State, where his talent would continue to grow.
Payton Thorne’s Future – What’s Next?
With his sights set on leading Auburn to more victories, Payton Thorne continues to work hard and improve his game. His ability to lead a team and his performance on the field suggest that his journey in football is far from over. As he gains more experience in the SEC, fans and analysts alike are excited to see how he will continue to develop and push Auburn towards success.
FAQ
Who is Payton Thorne?
Payton Thorne is an American football quarterback currently playing for Auburn University. He previously played for Michigan State University.
Why did Payton Thorne transfer to Auburn?
Thorne transferred to Auburn in 2023 to play under head coach Hugh Freeze and to compete in the more challenging Southeastern Conference (SEC).
What are Payton Thorne’s stats for the 2024 season?
As of the 2024 season, Payton Thorne has 1,038 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.
What was Payton Thorne’s high school football career like?
Payton Thorne had an outstanding high school football career at Naperville Central High School in Illinois, where he threw for 3,113 yards and 40 touchdowns in his senior year.
How did Payton Thorne perform at Michigan State?
Thorne was the starting quarterback at Michigan State for two seasons, throwing for 3,240 yards and 27 touchdowns in his standout 2021 season. He also helped lead the team to a Peach Bowl victory.
What challenges has Payton Thorne faced at Auburn?
Since joining Auburn, Thorne has faced the challenge of adapting to the SEC, known for its competitive defenses. Despite some difficult moments, including interceptions, he has remained a key player for the Tigers.
What is Payton Thorne’s most notable achievement in college football?
One of Thorne’s most notable achievements was leading Michigan State to an 11-2 record and a Peach Bowl victory in the 2021 season.
- Payton Thorne – A Talented Quarterback with Leadership Skills
- Payton Thorne Michigan State – Building a Strong Foundation
- Payton Thorne Transfer to Auburn – A New Opportunity
- Payton Thorne at Auburn – A Promising Start in the SEC
- Payton Thorne’s High School Journey – Where It All Began
- Payton Thorne’s Future – What’s Next?
- FAQ