Payton Thorne has won the Auburn starting quarterback job, coach Hugh Freeze announced on Thursday.
Thorne, a transfer from Michigan State, beat out Robby Ashford and will start for the Tigers in their Sept. 2 opener against UMass.
Thorne was a two-year starter for the Spartans, and Freeze said that his leadership and efficiency throwing the ball were big factors in his winning the job at Auburn after arriving on campus in June.
"The reason that Payton is getting the nod is the leadership ability and the understanding of the offense," Freeze said.