Payton Thorne named top SEC transfer addition

The Tigers have pulled their projected starting quarterback out of the transfer portal.

Alongside 19 other valuable additions Hugh Freeze and his staff landed.

Payton Thorne, former Michigan State quarterback turned Auburn Tiger, is projected by a variety of outlets to be the Tigers' starting quarterback week one vs UMass despite not having taken a single rep in practice. Statistically, he's better than what the Tigers had coming back - Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner.

Mike Farrell recently released an article of his top five SEC transfer portal additions, with Thorne sitting at the top of the list.

This is what Farrell had to say about Thorne's transfer to the Tigers:

"Thorne’s entry into the portal came as a surprise to most. While he had some struggles, which included 21 interceptions over the last two seasons, he also experienced his fair share of success during his time in East Lansing. So, when he became available, there was plenty of immediate buzz about his potential landing spot. Some of the loudest buzz revolved around Auburn, who quickly made Thorne a priority after striking out on a couple of other portal possibilities. Now that the Tigers have Thorne, he will have to earn the starting job against Robby Ashford. While this is far from a forgone conclusion, adding a quarterback with two years of starting experience does make him the likely starter when the season opens in September.

Thorne finished an accomplished quarterback at Michigan State, setting single-season records for total yards, total touchdowns and passing touchdowns. He ranks fifth in career total touchdowns, fifth in career total yards, fourth in career passing touchdowns and third in single-season passing yards.

He's not a dazzling arm talent but was excellent attacking downfield in his two seasons with the Spartans. He's a great system fit for Freeze and Montgomery.

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