Payton Thorne found a new home in the SEC just two days ago, but he’s already drawing praise from outside the conference.

The former Michigan State quarterback announced his commitment to Auburn on Friday. Thorne entered the transfer portal after a disappointing 5-7 Spartan season in 2022. Thorne appeared in 29 games for the Spartans from 2019-2022, becoming the starting QB for the 2021 season and helping the team win 16 games in the role.

Despite a lackluster season for the Spartans in 2022, Thorne managed to amass 2,679 passing yards and 19 touchdown passes. In his 2021 campaign, the QB accumulated 3,240 passing yards, 27 touchdown passes, and 4 rushing touchdowns.

Thorne’s experience will be hugely beneficial for the Tigers, according to an anonymous B1G defensive coordinator. The coach told On3 that Throne is a “way better” than he got credit for. Here’s the full quote via On3:

“Way better player than he got credit for … Athletic, tough, competitive. Think he played hurt last year. I was worried about his ability to keep plays alive (with his athleticism and mobility). I liked him.”

Thorne will join the Tigers with 2 years of eligibility remaining. He will now be in the mix to be the first starting QB for Freeze and the Tigers this fall, joining returning starter Robby Ashford and redshirt freshman Holden Geriner in the lineup.