Its a done deal: Another mega star quarterback committed to the Auburn Tigers just…..
Will the Auburn Tigers regret not picking up a quarterback from the transfer portal?
Hugh Freeze’s first season coaching the Tigers saw a dismal passing offense, with Auburn ranking last in the SEC for passing yards per game and struggling to find consistent quarterback-receiver connections under Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne.
Many expected the Tigers to explore quarterback options in the portal to improve their passing game for the upcoming season. However, Freeze and his staff chose not to recruit a quarterback, leaving the current roster with Payton Thorne, sophomore Hank Brown, junior Holden Geriner, and true freshman Walker White.
None of these quarterbacks performed notably well during spring practice. Now, as the offseason progresses, Brad Crawford of 247Sports has voiced his opinion on Auburn’s quarterback situation. In an article listing his 50 thoughts about the 2024 college football season, his 23rd thought was that Auburn will regret not taking a quarterback.
“Auburn’s quarterback situation is unsettled exiting spring, but chances are last season’s starter — Payton Thorne — will be the guy in charge of this offense,” Crawford wrote. “Freeze said ahead of his second season on the Plains he wasn’t willing to spend $1 million plus on a signal caller this cycle. Given Thorne’s up and down career, he should have done so now that there’s wide receiver talent on the outside.”
It would be unfortunate if Auburn’s talented receiving corps, potentially the best on paper in years, struggles to shine due to inadequate quarterback play. Five-stars Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson, along with Penn State transfer KeAndre Lambert-Smith, are expected to be standout players. However, their success depends on Thorne significantly stepping up his game.
