Social media reacts to Hugh Freeze naming Payton Thorne Auburn’s starting QB
Auburn’s quarterback battle has come to an end with Hugh Freeze naming Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne the starter
Thorne beat out Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner for the job and will have two weeks as the clear No. 1 ahead of the season-opener against UMass on Sept. 2.
Thorne started 26 games for the Spartans over the past three seasons and completed 61.4% of his passes for 6,493 yards and 49 touchdowns. He will look to take advantage of a rebuilt offensive line and wide receiver group while leaning on Auburn’s talented and deep stable of running backs.
After months of waiting, the Auburn faithful had plenty to say after finding out who their starting quarterback will be, here are the top reactions.
it's official: Payton Thorne is Auburn's starting quarterback, per HC Hugh Freeze
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) August 17, 2023
Best QB in the state.
Best RB in the state. pic.twitter.com/ka2NkKcsvp
— TorresOnAuburn 🥶 (@TorresOnAuburn) August 17, 2023
I feel like Thorne has a decent chance to be Stidham 2.0
— DJ James Fan Account (@GSportsAuburn) August 17, 2023
Feels good to have the best starting QB in the state
— Kyle (@AllAubarn) August 17, 2023
Let’s rock and roll baby‼️🦅@PaytonThorne
— Babysitter Bari (@BabysitterBari) August 17, 2023
Payton Thorne when he has a top 10 back in his backfield
60.4% completion %
3,240 yards
27 touchdowns
10 interceptions pic.twitter.com/PncW4APylC— Aubie’s son🦅 (@AubieSon) August 17, 2023
I am happy for Payton Thorne.
The kid threw more touchdown passes (27) in a season than any player in Ann Arbor or East Lansing ever has.
Rooting for him to do well at Auburn.#SD4L https://t.co/WdzSfM4WFS
— Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) August 17, 2023
Not a surprise that Payton Thorne is Hugh Freeze's first QB1, per @_JHokanson's report.
He gives Auburn its best chance at establishing an offensive proof of concept in Year 1 while giving Robby Ashford a year to develop.
Remember, though. Post-spring QB transfers? Super tough.
— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) August 17, 2023
1 month checkup ✅ eyes wide open when I told him Payton Thorne was QB1 pic.twitter.com/ZwFK1o28gF
— The Up Tempo Podcast ❄️🥶 (@TheUpTempoPod) August 17, 2023
Payton Thorne sets a safe floor for Hugh Freeze for game 1. His presence made everyone raise their game this off-season and the QB room is better for it. #auburnfootball @thewarrapport https://t.co/N5vpOCH2dC
— Mike G. (@mikegittens) August 17, 2023
So happy for you, @PaytonThorne . Spartan nation is cheering you on!!
— karen (@klsmd12) August 17, 2023
QB1 @PaytonThorne pic.twitter.com/MkLe4M3mtb
— Logan Adams (@loganwadams) August 17, 2023
Idk shit about Payton Thorne
But I do know that Hugh Freeze made Bo Wallace a back-to-back 3,000 yard passer in the SEC. pic.twitter.com/ox30IOpa6G
— Chris Marler (@VernFunquist) August 17, 2023
I am happy for Payton Thorne.
The kid threw more touchdown passes (27) in a season than any player in Ann Arbor or East Lansing ever has.
Rooting for him to do well at Auburn.#SD4L https://t.co/WdzSfM4WFS
— Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) August 17, 2023
#wareagle @PaytonThorne Time to lead us onto that field! pic.twitter.com/7ol36cAGf0
— Johnnyknox07 (@johnnyknox07_) August 17, 2023
QB1 #wde pic.twitter.com/HxggjlU3CZ
— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) August 17, 2023
But is Payton Thorne from Texas?
— Brandon 🅿️otter WDE🐯🦅🥶❄️ (@9377_potter) August 17, 2023