Auburn is making another switch under center.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Friday that senior Payton Thorne will start Saturday’s game at Jordan-Hare Stadium against Oklahoma.
Thorne started 12 games for Auburn (2-2) in 2023 and won the job this year in fall camp. After a slow start, he was benched for freshman Hank Brown last week against Arkansas. Brown struggled, throwing for just 72 yards and three interceptions before being replaced by Thorne, who led two second half scoring drives in the 24-14 loss.
Oklahoma (3-1) is coming off a home loss to Tennessee and has quarterback issues of their own. Former five-star Jackson Arnold was benched in the loss to the Vols in favor of freshman Michael Hawkins, Jr., who will be making his first start against Auburn. The Sooners do boast one of the best defensive units in the country, allowing just 14.8 points per game.
Kickoff is schedule for 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
