Quarterback Katin Houser Delivers Message To Payton Thorne, MSU Fanbase

Michigan State will have a new starting quarterback in 2023, and redshirt freshman Katin Houser is anxious to get back on campus and make his case for the job.

A week ago, redshirt senior and incumbent starter Payton Thorne made headlines when he surprisingly entered the transfer portal. Thorne announced on Friday that he would continue his college career at Auburn.

Now, the Spartans' starting quarterback battle is down to two participants, Houser and redshirt junior Noah Kim. While currently enjoying summer break, Houser posted a message to Thorne and MSU's fanbase via Twitter.

Thank you @payton15thorne. Love this team and University! #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/PrjGmSQNK5
— Katin Houser (@katinhouser) May 7, 2023

"What's up Spartan Nation," Houser began. "Just wanted to make a quick video and wish Payton the best of luck at Auburn, and also wanted to thank him for being a mentor and a leader my freshman year. Along with that — I'm looking forward to next season. I've got my eyes set on Central [Michigan], and I can't wait to get back on campus and compete with the guys. I'm fired up. Go Green!"

Houser signed with Michigan State as part of the Spartans' 2022 recruiting class out of St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, Calif. He was considered a four-star prospect, the No. 215 overall player and No. 14 quarterback in his recruiting class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

The 6-foot-3, 213-pounder got his first taste of college football during the Spartans' 52-0 win over Akron last season, in which Houser played six snaps, completed 1-of-2 pass attempts for two yards and ran for 13 yards and a first down on his lone possession.

Kim, meanwhile, has played just 38 snaps in three seasons at Michigan State, all of which came during the 2022 season. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder from Chantilly (Va.) Westfield played well in mop-up duty for the Spartans, completing 14-of-19 pass attempts for 174 yards and three touchdowns as Thorne's backup. A one-time Virginia Tech commit, Kim flipped to Michigan State and was a member of former head coach Mark Dantonio's final recruiting class (2020).

While this spring's quarterback battle was considered a tight competition that would extend into summer and fall camp, the advantage that Thorne held over his challengers was his vast experience as a two-year starter. The redshirt senior finishes his Spartan career with the fourth-most touchdown passes (49), fifth-best completion percentage (60.9), sixth-most passing yards (6,494) and sixth-most completions (524) in program history.

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