Thorne struggled early, throwing four interceptions in Auburn’s loss to Cal in a performance that lost him the starting job for two weeks. However, upon returning to the starter role, Thorne was stronger down the stretch, throwing 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions in Auburn’s final seven games.

Auburn QB Payton Thorne discusses the loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl and the end to the 2024 season.

That loss was also Thorne's fifth-straight start. He was benched in favor of redshirt freshman Hank Brown for Auburn's Week 3 win against New Mexico after Thorne threw four interceptions in the Tigers' loss to Cal the week prior.