Hugh Freeze continues to show strong support for Payton Thorne, his chosen quarterback to lead Auburn’s offense. With two weeks remaining before the Tigers’ season opener against Alabama A&M, Freeze provided a largely positive update on Thorne’s understanding of the offense he and Derrick Nix have implemented.
“We’re totally different than last year,” Coach Freeze said on August 16 (via SI). “From the spring until now, his understanding of the expectations has grown significantly. He’s doing some things out there now that I’m really, really proud of. That doesn’t mean he always executes it perfectly, but he’s thinking the right way. And I believe that only comes with reps and the meetings we have to ensure he understands what I really want to happen on a play if certain situations arise.”
In 2023, Hugh Freeze and his first-year offensive coordinator, Philip Montgomery, didn’t always see eye to eye, resulting in a disjointed offense. Bringing Derrick Nix on board as Freeze’s right-hand man is likely the most significant upgrade to the offense this offseason.
But there’s more good news for Auburn fans. The “Freeze Four”—Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, Malcolm Simmons, and Bryce Cain—represent one of the most talented wide receiver groups Auburn has potentially ever assembled. While they might not immediately be Payton Thorne’s go-to targets, experienced transfers like KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Robert Lewis, and Sam Jackson V are well-positioned to step into those roles. Additionally, returning tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, a favorite target of Thorne, remains a key weapon in the offense.
Payton Thorne has no excuses in 2024. Last year, he navigated a challenging situation, dealing with an offensive coordinator who didn’t mesh well with Hugh Freeze and an associate head coach, Cadillac Williams, who many believed should have been the head coach after his successful interim stint in 2022.
But in 2024, everything is set up for Thorne’s success. He has full backing from Freeze, no real competition for the QB1 spot, and the most talented group of receivers Auburn fans have seen in years, if not decades.
There’s no room for excuses for the former Michigan State star this season. If Thorne isn’t leading a 5-0 or 4-1 team by the end of September, there might need to be some tough conversations about the second half of the season.