Hugh Freeze Reportedly Makes Decision On Auburn's Starting Quarterback
OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Hugh Freeze of the Mississippi Rebels reacts during the second half of a game against the Memphis Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Hugh Freeze has reportedly picked Auburn's Week 1 starting quarterback.
According to Auburn Live's Justin Hokanson, Payton Thorne is expected to start the Tigers' season opener against UMass. The Michigan State transfer has competed with sophomore Robby Ashford and redshirt freshman Holden Geriner for the job.
Freeze hasn't confirmed the decision, but he'll speak to media members on Thursday and Saturday following team scrimmages.
Last Saturday, Freeze said he "had his mind made up" before a scrimmage questioned his thought process.
"I feel very comfortably with who he is, his leadership, his desire and preparation, his football IQ, but you have to make plays," Freeze said of Thorne. "I haven’t seen that yet, and truthfully, I’m excited about the competition between he, Robby, and Holden. It’ll make them all better."
Thorne has a notable experience edge after spending two years as Michigan State's starter. He amassed 2,679 passing yards and 19 touchdowns for the 5-7 Spartans last season, both downticks from 3,240 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2021.
Ashford showed major rushing potential by producing 710 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground last season. However, he completed less than half (49.2) of his passes with as many interceptions as passing touchdowns (seven).
Geriner entered Auburn as a four-star recruit after tossing 71 touchdowns for his high school in Georgia. He briefly saw the field during an overtime win over Missouri.
If Freeze finalizes the reported choice, Thorne will take the field when Auburn hosts the Minutemen on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
