Payton Thorne was blunt when discussing last season’s game tape. “I watch it, see our play calls and terminology, and it doesn’t make me feel good,” Thorne admitted to reporters on Monday.
“I don’t want to talk about last year anymore,” Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze added before the team’s first fall camp practice. “I want to take the blame for it.” Auburn fans likely share this sentiment, especially after a season where the offense ranked last in the SEC in passing yards.
Thorne experienced his worst full season statistically, throwing for under 2,000 yards. His performance was a stark contrast to his time at Michigan State, though the circumstances were significantly different. Without a full offseason and with a brand-new coaching staff, the offense struggled to find cohesion from the top down.
Freeze, known for his offensive expertise, had handed play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery—a decision that ultimately led to Montgomery’s dismissal at the season’s end.
Now, Thorne feels more in sync with the current coaching staff. “I feel really good about where we’re at now, and I have a solid grasp of what Coach Freeze, Coach Nix, and Coach Austin are trying to accomplish,” Thorne said. This improved understanding has given Thorne more control over the offense. “If we’re on the same page, the coaches can trust me to make adjustments if needed,” he added.
Thorne also noted the significant personnel changes from last season. “Football really is the ultimate team game,” he said. “Even great quarterbacks in the NFL struggle when the pieces around them aren’t in place. But I feel good about where we are now.”
The arrival of players like Cam Coleman, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Robert Lewis adds depth to the offense, but Thorne emphasized that his connection with tight end Fairweather, a highlight from last year, remains crucial. “I learned to incorporate the tight end into my game more last year, and we’ll carry that forward,” Thorne said. With the new receivers on board, he believes Fairweather will have more opportunities as defenses can no longer double-team him.
With so much change since his arrival at Auburn, Thorne sees little reason to dwell on the past. “I don’t look back at last year much,” he said. “Our personnel is completely different now.”
