Mel Tucker reacts to transfer departure of Payton Thorne

Payton Thorne left Michigan State for Auburn via the transfer portal and Spartans head coach Mel Tucker revealed his take on the quarterback’s departure.

Thorne was the returning starter with the Spartans but opted to head down south to play for Hugh Freeze and the Tigers. It was certainly a surprising move considering Thorne started the last two years.

But Tucker maintained the competitiveness in spring practice and there are no regrets about the quarterback position. 

“We had a really good spring, really competitive,” Tucker said. “We feel good about our situation. I just wish Payton the very best of luck. He’s a really good player, a better person, got a great family. We wish him well.”

Tucker was asked if this is the new normal in college football, where experienced guys like Thorne leave for “greener pastures” or different situations.

“I believe so,” Tucker said. “We’ve seen it right? We’ve gotten guys out of the portal and it’s really common. So I don’t think it’s anything that anyone should be surprised about.”

Over the course of his career, Thorne has 6,493 yards, 49 touchdowns, 24 interceptions and a 61% completion percentage.

As a member of the Class of 2019, Thorne was a three-star recruit out of Naperville (Ill.) Central, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 25 overall prospect in the state, the No. 63 quarterback in the class and the No. 1,125 overall prospect in the class.

JD PicKell on Peyton Thorne

Running the RPO-heavy offense employed by Freeze, the quarterback is integral to keep the offense humming along by making consistent reads on those plays. If Thorne can get up to speed on that, he’ll key in success for the entire Auburn offense.

“But he’s the battery to this offense at Auburn,” On3’s J.D. PicKell said. “Make no mistake about it. The offense under Hugh Freeze at Auburn will go as Payton Thorne goes. Did a lot through the portal. Have one of the top portal classes this cycle, Payton Thorne being a part of that portal class.

“But if Payton Thorne doesn’t bring his A game, if he doesn’t allow the offense to operate because he’s not up to speed or he’s making mistakes, he’s not consistent, whatever it ends up being, they will go as Payton Thorne goes.”

It seems Tucker moved on from Thorne and the quarterback has a fresh start on The Plains.