The Auburn Tigers have announced the surprising departure of four key players from their football program, headlined by quarterback Payton Thorne. The unexpected news comes as the Tigers prepare for a pivotal offseason, leaving fans and analysts stunned.
Joining Thorne in leaving the program are running back Jarquez Hunter, linebacker Cam Riley, and defensive back D.J. James. All four players were integral to Auburn’s 2023 campaign, contributing significantly to the team’s performance on offense, defense, and special teams.
Though Auburn has yet to disclose official reasons for the departures, reports suggest a combination of transfer portal entries, personal decisions, and potential NIL opportunities may be behind the exits. Payton Thorne, who transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2023 season, was seen as a critical leader for the offense, making his departure especially impactful.
Head coach Hugh Freeze addressed the situation, saying, “These young men have given a lot to this program, and we thank them for their dedication. While it’s tough to see them go, we remain committed to building a competitive and resilient team moving forward.”
The Tigers now face a challenging offseason as they look to fill these key positions through recruiting and the transfer portal. With the ever-competitive SEC landscape, Auburn will need to act swiftly to ensure they remain a contender heading into the 2024 season.
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