The Detroit News
Auburn, Ala. – Transfer Payton Thorne has won Auburn's starting quarterback job.
Coach Hugh Freeze said Thursday that the Michigan State transfer is set to start for the Tigers in their opener Sept. 2 against Massachusetts. Thorne, who signed with Auburn in May, has been competing with returning starter Robby Ashford and redshirt freshman Holden Geriner.
“The reason Payton is getting the nod is just the leadership ability and understanding of the offense,” Freeze said. "He’s been in some really good battles, and it just seems like he was more efficient in the decision-making to this point.