Breaking: Five-Star Quarterback Payton Thorne Shocks Auburn Tigers with Decommitment, Flips Commitment to LSU Over Oregon, Oklahoma, Clemson, and Others**
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves throughout college football recruiting circles, five-star quarterback Payton Thorne has decommitted from the Auburn Tigers and pledged his future to the LSU Tigers. This unexpected decision has left the Auburn coaching staff reeling and the broader college football community abuzz as Thorne, one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, flips his commitment away from a program he had been committed to for several months.
Thorne, who is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, had originally announced his commitment to Auburn in the summer of 2023, sparking excitement among Tigers fans. But in a dramatic turn of events, the talented signal-caller has reversed course, opting instead to join LSU over a host of other prestigious programs, including Oregon, Oklahoma, and Clemson. This move has been described as a seismic shift in the recruiting landscape, given the caliber of teams that were involved in the recruitment of one of the nation’s top prospects.
The Auburn Tigers: A Shock to the System
Payton Thorne’s decommitment from Auburn comes as a huge surprise to many, especially considering the level of enthusiasm that accompanied his original commitment. Auburn had long been seen as a program on the rise under head coach Hugh Freeze, who took over the reins in late 2022. Freeze, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and his success in high-stakes recruiting battles, had worked tirelessly to bring Thorne into the fold.
Thorne had visited Auburn multiple times, forming a strong connection with the coaching staff and the program’s future vision. Additionally, Auburn had been heavily invested in securing a top-tier quarterback for the 2025 class, which made Thorne’s commitment a significant milestone in their recruiting efforts. His decision to publicly decommit, however, comes as a massive setback for the Tigers.
While Auburn has other top recruits in their sights, losing a player of Thorne’s caliber — a quarterback who is capable of becoming a cornerstone of any program’s future — is a blow to the program’s momentum. The fact that Thorne made this decision less than a year before National Signing Day speaks to the unpredictable nature of recruiting, especially in an era of early commitments and shifting allegiances.
LSU: The Beneficiary of Payton Thorne’s Decision
While Auburn fans are left to lick their wounds, LSU fans are basking in the glow of their program’s latest recruiting victory. Thorne’s decision to flip to LSU is a significant win for head coach Brian Kelly and his staff, who have quietly built one of the most formidable recruiting pipelines in the country.
LSU has long been a powerhouse in college football, with a storied history of success under previous coaches like Nick Saban, Les Miles, and most recently, Ed Orgeron. Brian Kelly, who took over as head coach in 2022, has quickly reinvigorated the program and established LSU as a national contender once again. Landing a player of Thorne’s talent solidifies LSU’s reputation as a destination for elite quarterbacks.
Thorne’s decision to choose LSU is particularly significant given the competition he faced from other top-tier programs. The Tigers, who are known for their explosive offensive play and commitment to developing elite quarterbacks, were able to make a strong case to Thorne, offering the kind of environment where he can thrive. The presence of a seasoned coaching staff, the potential to play in the SEC — the nation’s toughest conference — and the allure of joining a national championship contender all played a role in his decision.
LSU’s quarterback development track record, including recent success stories like Joe Burrow, who led the Tigers to a national title in 2019, also had a major influence on Thorne’s decision. The Tigers’ ability to develop top talent at the quarterback position, combined with the promise of playing in a high-profile offense, made LSU an attractive option for the elite recruit.
The Competitors: Oregon, Oklahoma, Clemson, and Others
While LSU emerged victorious in the battle for Thorne’s commitment, they were not the only ones vying for his services. A number of other top-tier programs had been in the mix, including Oregon, Oklahoma, and Clemson, all of which were considered strong contenders in Thorne’s recruitment.
Oregon**, under head coach Dan Lanning, had made significant strides in recent years, both on the field and in recruiting. Known for its high-powered offense and the ability to develop quarterbacks, Oregon was a major player in the Thorne sweepstakes. Thorne, who hails from the Pacific Northwest, had strong ties to the region, which made Oregon a natural fit. The Ducks, however, ultimately fell short in their pursuit of the five-star quarterback.
Oklahoma**, a program with a rich history of quarterback success, including Heisman winners like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, also made a strong push for Thorne. Head coach Brent Venables is known for his defensive prowess, but Oklahoma’s offensive pedigree and the opportunity to play in the Big 12’s wide-open style of play made it an appealing option for Thorne.
Clemson**, another elite program, was also in the mix for Thorne’s commitment. With a track record of success under head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers’ ability to develop talent at every position, Clemson was considered a serious contender for the five-star recruit. However, Clemson’s struggles at the quarterback position in recent seasons may have worked against them in this recruitment.
Other programs that were in the running for Thorne’s commitment included Michigan, Georgia, and Ohio State, all of which have been strong competitors on the national stage. While Thorne’s decision ultimately came down to LSU, the presence of these top programs speaks to the fierce competition that has become a hallmark of the modern recruiting landscape.
The Future of Payton Thorne at LSU
As for Thorne, his decision to commit to LSU is a major step in his journey toward college football stardom. Thorne has the physical tools to be a game-changer at the quarterback position. With a strong arm, impressive mobility, and the ability to read defenses with precision, he has all the attributes of a future star in the SEC.
Thorne will join a program that has consistently developed top-tier quarterbacks, and his presence will only add to the excitement surrounding LSU football. With a talented supporting cast and an offensive system that has produced some of the best quarterbacks in college football history, Thorne has the potential to make an immediate impact at LSU.
While Auburn will no doubt look to rebound and continue its recruitment efforts in the coming months, LSU has emerged as a major winner in this high-profile recruitment. Payton Thorne’s decision to flip to LSU is yet another sign that the Tigers are firmly positioned among college football’s elite programs, and with Thorne under center, they could be poised for another run at the College Football Playoff in the near future.
Conclusion
Payton Thorne’s decommitment from Auburn and commitment to LSU is a monumental shift in the recruiting landscape. It’s a testament to the unpredictability of college football recruiting and the fierce competition among top programs. With LSU securing one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, they are positioned to maintain their status as a college football powerhouse. As Thorne heads to Baton Rouge, all eyes will be on his development and the impact he will have on LSU’s quest for national supremacy in the coming years.
