Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze kept his word on finding an experienced quarterback in the transfer portal. Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne confirmed that he’d be coming to the Plains with two years of eligibility.

Thorne threw for 6,494 yards and 49 touchdowns in 29 games, including 26 starts over three seasons at Michigan State. He entered the portal Sunday, less than 24 hours before the spring transfer window closed.

Thorne’s addition came three days after former Tigers’ starting quarterback T.J. Finley announced that he was entering the transfer portal as a grad transfer. Reaction from fans came in hot and heavy.

Speaking of Ashford, he seems ready for the challenge of competing with Thorne.

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.