Payton Thorne

QuarterbackQB
2023 Fantasy Outlook
Thorne transferred to Auburn after two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Michigan State Spartans. Thorne is expected to beat out Robby Ashford, who largely struggled with his chances under center a season ago. Thorne had a standout campaign as a redshirt freshman in 2021, passing for 3,240 yards, 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He took a step back last season, though, passing for just 2,679 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Thorne did complete a career-best 62.5-percent of his passes in 2022, though this number still likely needs improvement if he is to enter the conversation of upper-echelon starters. He also does not provide much in the way of rushing; Thorne managed just one rushing touchdown last year, and his yards lost in terms of sacks all but swallowed up any yards he gained with his legs. Still, Thorne will have offensive-minded new head coach Hugh Freeze directing him, whose offenses at Liberty averaged over 400 yards per game in four seasons. Read Past Outlooks
Currently top quarterback
February 29, 2024
Thorne is currently Auburn's No. 1 option at quarterback, Justin Hokanson of On3.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Fortunately for Thorne, who was benched during the Auburn team's last game of its 2023 season, he remains Auburn's No. 1 option at quarterback. Though his move from Michigan State to the SEC was not immediately an excellent one, he still fared relatively well during his first campaign with Auburn. Thorne logged 2,270 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns across his 13 games in 2023. He has performed better with Michigan State though and is expected to do better, especially with Hank Brown and Holden Geriner ready to take whatever opportunities they can get.
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2022 CFB Game Log
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Payton Thorne See More
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129 days ago
Nick Grays uncovers players to target on the college football waiver wire for Week 13.
2022 Fantasy Outlook
Thorne is coming off a historic season in his first season as the full-time starter for Michigan State. Over 13 starts As a junior, Thorne completed 60.4 percent of his 389 passes for 3,240 yards and a school-record 27 passing touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. However, Thorne was perhaps the biggest beneficiary of Doak Walker Award winner Kenneth Walker as the quarterback ranked 11th nationally in yards gained per completion on play-action passes. While Thorne does retain his top pass catching option in 1,000-yard receiver Jayden Reed, it is reasonable to expect that as the Spartans’ rushing game takes a step back, so will Thorne’s overall passing production.
More Fantasy News
Benched in bowl game
January 5, 2024
Thorne was 13-for-27 passing for 84 yards, one touchdown and one interception during Saturday's 31-13 defeat versus Maryland. He also had nine rushes for negative five yards.
ANALYSIS
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Tosses touchdown in loss
November 26, 2023
Thorne (foot) completed 5 of 16 passes for 91 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions during Saturday's 27-24 loss versus Alabama. He also had 15 rushes for 57 yards.
ANALYSIS
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Warming up with starters
Foot
November 25, 2023
Thorne (foot) is taking snaps from starting center Connor Lew in warmups ahead of Saturday's game versus Alabama, Justin Hokanson of On3.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Spotted in boot Monday
Foot
November 20, 2023
Thorne (foot) was seen wearing a boot at practice Monday, Matt Cohen of AL.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Offense sputters in surprising loss
November 19, 2023
Thorne completed 15-of-19 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown Saturday against New Mexico State, while also rushing 17 times for 38 yards in the 31-10 loss.
ANALYSIS
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