Hugh Freeze on Payton Thorne: ‘I’m a believer’

Hugh Freeze is entering his second season with the Auburn Tigers, and many questions loom large, including one at quarterback.

However, Freeze doesn’t particularly believe that’s true, it seems. He’s locked in with Payton Thorne as his starting quarterback once again, and it’s evident the coach is a big time believer in the former transfer from the Big Ten.

“I’m a believer in Payton,” Freeze told the media, earlier this week. “Obviously, I know that, you know, quarterbacks, they’re either going to take praise or criticism, there’s nowhere in between. He certainly has had his good and bad moments, but I do believe, with better pieces around him, that he has the ability to be a great leader, and a really solid quarterback in this league.

“I think he senses, more of a cohesiveness, in the staff and what we’re trying to do, that fits his skillset. So hopefully, that will translate into him playing more confidently.”

Thorne was inconsistent, but he did show flashes last season. Freeze believes Auburn’s new quarterback coach Kent Austin will go a long way towards developing the player that Thorne could be.

“Kent, I think is the — I get a lot credit for the past play of the quarterbacks, but truthfully, it really should go to him,” Freeze stated. “He’s the best quarterback coach that I’ve been around. He and Dan Warner are both as solid as they come. I think he is really going to help that whole quarterback room with their development.

“He understands coverages, and is able to teach in a unique way. So I think he’s going to be very, very valuable, in how they play.”

Alas, it’s evident the belief is there, now it’s up to Payton Thorne to show why it’s so prevalent, as the Auburn Tigers move into a pivotal 2024 campaign.

Paul Finebaum: The Hugh Freeze era begins now for Auburn

While the 2023 season was tough for Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers, it was always going to be a transition. Flushing out some of the issues Bryan Harsin brought to the Plains and revamping the program was going to take time. Auburn just had to deal with an on-field roller coaster, including a tough final three games.

In Paul Finebaum’s eyes, this is where we can officially declare the beginning of Freeze’s time at Auburn. There is going to be some pressure to win in 2024 after three consecutive losing seasons. Finebaum does not believe Freeze is facing a make-or-break type year but results can fairly be judged moving forward.

“I think, in many ways, the Hugh Freeze era begins now,” Finebaum said. “Last year was a collection of high-wire moments, some success, some absolutely bitter moments from the Alabama game, for the New Mexico State game. Obviously, the bowl game. I think for Hugh Freeze, this is where it begins. I’m not saying he’s on the clock because he’s not… But now, I think we can start looking, objectively, at what he’s doing.”

Quarterback play being inconsistent was an area Finebaum mentioned he would be looking for improvement. Freeze is thought to be one of the SEC’s best offensive minds but Payton Thorne did not have the best season. Auburn did not dip back into the NCAA transfer portal for another quarterback either, likely meaning Thorne is the guy moving forward.

However, the biggest change for Freeze will be his coaching staff. After one season, a whole new group of coaches are in the building. Freeze will be calling plays while the defense will be getting a new look under DJ Durkin.

Freeze has a tough task ahead of him, as Auburn coaches have throughout the years. There is still belief in what he is building though and after a potential throwaway season in 2023, Finebaum says results are going to begin to matter.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.