Auburn Tigers Star Payton Thorne Announces Decision to Leave the Program; Tigers Land Five-Star QB to Replace Him
In a surprising turn of events, Auburn Tigers star quarterback Payton Thorne has announced his intention to leave the program at the end of the 2024 season. Thorne, who transferred to Auburn in 2023 and quickly became the leader of the Tigers’ offense, made the announcement through a statement on social media, expressing his gratitude to the university and its fans.
“After much thought and consideration, I have decided that this will be my final season with the Auburn Tigers,” Thorne wrote. “It has been an incredible honor to represent Auburn and be a part of this amazing community. I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and all the fans for their unwavering support. Auburn will always hold a special place in my heart, but I believe it’s time for me to explore new opportunities.”
Thorne has been a pivotal figure for Auburn, leading the team with his strong arm, poise, and playmaking ability. His departure will leave a significant void in the Tigers’ offense, but the program has already made a major move to fill that gap.
In the wake of Thorne’s announcement, Auburn has secured a commitment from Jaxon Miller, a five-star quarterback prospect out of Texas. Miller, who is ranked among the top quarterbacks in the 2024 recruiting class, is expected to step in and make an immediate impact for the Tigers. Known for his elite arm strength, mobility, and football IQ, Miller has been highly sought after by several top programs across the country.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze expressed confidence in Miller’s ability to lead the team moving forward. “While we will certainly miss Payton and everything he has brought to this program, we are thrilled to welcome Jaxon to the Auburn family,” Freeze said. “Jaxon is a special talent with the potential to do great things here, and we believe he can help us continue to compete at the highest level.”
The dual news of Thorne’s departure and Miller’s commitment has generated a mix of emotions among Auburn fans, with many expressing their appreciation for Thorne’s contributions while also eagerly anticipating the arrival of Miller.
As Payton Thorne prepares for his final games in an Auburn uniform, all eyes will be on the transition to the next era of Auburn football, led by the highly-touted Jaxon Miller. The future remains bright for the Tigers, even as they bid farewell to one of their standout leaders.
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