Auburn football's most valuable players in 2023: No. 1 Payton Thorne

Thorne is Auburn's most valuable player in 2023.

Lance Dawe | Aug 17, 2023

Auburn football's most valuable players in 2023: No. 1 Payton Thorne /

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Auburn Tigers

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

- 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