auburn tigers quarterback payton thorne made a stunning announcement today, revealing that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility to enter the 2024 nfl draft. the decision, which took fans and analysts by surprise, comes after a stellar season in which thorne showcased his skills as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in college football.
thorned addressed the decision in a heartfelt social media post, thanking his teammates, coaches, and the auburn community for their unwavering support. “this has been one of the toughest decisions of my life,” thorne wrote. “i’ve grown so much as a player and person during my time here at auburn. while i’ll always bleed orange and blue, i feel the time is right for me to chase my dream of playing in the nfl.”
thorne, who transferred to auburn from michigan state ahead of the 2023 season, quickly became a cornerstone of the tigers’ offense. under head coach hugh freeze’s system, he flourished, passing for over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns while adding 700 yards and 10 scores on the ground. his leadership and clutch performances were instrumental in auburn’s resurgence, culminating in an appearance in the sec championship game.
despite auburn falling short of the conference title, thorne’s play earned him widespread recognition. he was named to the all-sec second team and received the manning award for his dual-threat prowess. nfl scouts have taken notice, with many projecting him as a potential second or third-round pick, though his stock could rise further depending on his performance at the nfl combine and pro day.
“payton has been nothing short of exceptional for us,” coach freeze said in a statement. “his work ethic, determination, and leadership have set a standard for everyone in our program. we’re sad to see him go, but we’re incredibly proud of what he’s accomplished and excited to see him succeed at the next level.”
thornes departure leaves a significant void in auburn’s offense. backup quarterback robby ashford, who saw limited action this season, is expected to compete for the starting job in 2024. however, freeze and his staff are likely to explore the transfer portal to bring in an experienced signal-caller to lead the team.
auburn fans expressed a mix of emotions on social media. while many are sad to see thorne leave, they’re also excited about his nfl future. “payton gave us everything he had this season,” one fan tweeted. “we’ll miss him, but we can’t wait to see him shine on sundays!”
with the nfl draft now on the horizon, thorne will begin preparations immediately, training with top quarterback coaches and participating in pre-draft showcases. as he embarks on this next chapter, he carries the hopes and dreams of the auburn faithful, who will be cheering him on every step of the way.
payton thorne’s announcement not only marks the end of a memorable chapter in auburn football but also sets the stage for an exciting new beginning as he takes his talents to the nfl.
