Getty Image / Scott Taetsch
Michigan State recently held their spring game and the team has had a quarterback battle since early on in the offseason.
Payton Thorne has been the Spartans’ starting quarterback for the previous two years. However, he’s now on the move after entering the college football transfer portal.
According to The Athletic, Michigan had a three-way position battle between Payton Thorne, fourth-year junior Noah Kim, and redshirt freshman Katin Houser.
Reports indicate that both Kim and Houser are the front runners to win the starting job. For that reason, it makes sense why Throne decided to enter the transfer portal.
Additionally, “the spring transfer portal window closes at the end of Sunday,” per The Athletic.
So, Payton Thorne should be able to find a new school in a short amount of time.
In Thorne’s second year as the starter of the Spartans, he threw for 2,679 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Not terrible numbers, but it was certainly a disappointment compared to his first season (3,232 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions).
For now, his next school is yet to be determined. However, there are plenty of programs that could use a quarterback. The Atheltic mentions Auburn or Florida as two potential landing spots for Thorne.
“We know Auburn is on the market for a starter and is pursuing Nebraska grad transfer, Casey Thompson. Florida already brought in Wisconsin’s Graham Mertz this offseason but could be another contender.”
We’ll see how it all plays out, but Payton Thorne’s time at Michigan State is seemingly coming to an end.