Hugh Freeze: Payton Thorne remains ‘best performer in practice,’ must carry that over in games’

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze shared his thoughts on where the quarterback competition stands and if he’d consider making a change from the starter, Payton Thorne.

As Freeze explained, to this point, Thorne has consistently been the best quarterback that Auburn has in practice. However, he did also acknowledge that his success needs to carry over into game situations.

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“It’s really hard to not play a young man, whether it’s Payton or whoever, that consistently is the best performer in practice over and over and over again… However, you have to carry that over in games,” Hugh Freeze said.

Freeze also shared that, as of right now, Hank Brown is the second-string quarterback for Auburn. However, he did note that Brown will get “his share of reps this week.”

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Payton Thorne came to Auburn as a transfer from Michigan State ahead of the 2023 season. He had previously been a team captain and found success with the Spartans. However, since getting to Auburn he’s struggled with consistency as the team’s starting quarterback.

In Auburn’s loss to Cal on Saturday, the offense was only able to score 14 points. Part of those offensive struggles fell on Thorne’s shoulders, as he only completed 14 of 27 passes for 165 yards and one touchdown. He also had a major issue with turnovers in the game, throwing four interceptions. It was likely those turnovers that cost the Tigers in a one-score loss.

For his part, Hank Brown came to Auburn as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2023, according to the On3 Industry Ratings. He was the 55th-ranked quarterback in that recruiting cycle and the 1,107th-ranked player overall. He played in the team’s opener, throwing for 96 yards and two touchdowns.

Next week, Auburn will host the New Mexico Lobos before starting SEC play in Week 4. The goal for the Tigers will likely to feel more secure in their quarterback situation before conference play starts.