Payton Thorne has found a new home in the SEC.

The former Michigan State quarterback announced a commitment to Auburn as he firms up the Tigers’ plans at that position following a lackluster spring for Hugh Freeze’s club.

This came only 3 days after TJ Finley announced plans to enter the transfer portal from Auburn. In Auburn’s spring game, Robby Ashford, Holden Geriner, and Finley combined to complete 5-of-12 passes for 60 yards and didn’t complete a pass for a touchdown in rainy conditions.

Thorne appeared in 29 games for the Spartans from 2019-2022. Thorne became the starting QB for the 2021 season and overall helped the team win 16 games in the role.

Michigan State had a disappointing 5-7 season in 2022 after it won 11 games the year before. Thorne had 6,493 yards passing with 55 total touchdowns and 24 interceptions as a Spartan.

Thorne was a former 3-star QB from the 2018 class per the 247Sports Composite. The Napierville, Illinois native will now be in the mix to be the first starting QB for Freeze and the Tigers this fall.