Auburn football's most valuable players in 2023: No. 1 Payton Thorne
We continue our countdown towards Auburn's 2023 season with a ranking of their most valuable players.
Payton Thorne is our No. 1 most valuable player on Auburn's roster.
Payton Thorne's Bio
Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images
- 6-foot-2
- 203 pounds
- Junior
- Previous School: Michigan State
Thorne was a two-year starter at Michigan State before transferring to Auburn over the weekend. The Tigers were in search of a new starting quarterback, and the expectation among fans is that Thorne comes in and wins the job in fall camp with (relative) ease.
It's unknown how Hugh Freeze is going to play things out before Auburn takes the field vs UMass, but expect incumbent Robby Ashford to push for the job regardless.
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.
Auburn's offense needed Thorne to feel good about their chances to be competitive as a team this fall.
Auburn football's most valuable players in 2023:
2. DJ James, CB
3. Dillon Wade, OL
4. Jarquez Hunter, RB
5. Jayson Jones, DT
6. Avery Jones, C
7. Nehemiah Pritchett, CB
8. Gunner Britton, OL
9. Shane Hooks, WR
10. Alex McPherson, K
11. Larry Nixon III, LB
12. Rivaldo Fairweather, TE
13. Cam Riley, LB
14. Justin Rogers, DL
15. Keionte Scott, CB
16. Jyaire Shorter, WR
17. Elijah McAllister, JACK
18. Koy Moore, WR
19. Kam Stutts, OL
20. Ja’Varrius Johnson, WR
21. Austin Keys, LB
22. Zion Puckett, S
23. Camden Brown, WR
24. Marcus Harris, DL
25. Robby Ashford, QB
Related stories
Auburn football announces start time for 2023 fall camp
Auburn football 2023 position preview: Quarterback
Georgia beat writer says if Bulldogs don't play Auburn annually, 'that's not even college football'
Auburn is voted sixth in the SEC West in SEC Media Days Poll
Five Auburn Tigers make Preseason All-SEC teams
Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!
Join the Locked on Auburn Discord
