Following a 21-14 loss to Cal at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is reportedly making a change at quarterback.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Hank Brown is expected to replace Payton Thorne as the starting QB when the Tigers face New Mexico for homecoming this Saturday.
Thorne, who threw four interceptions in last week’s defeat, has recorded five touchdowns and 487 passing yards over the last three games.
Hank Brown, hailing from Nashville, has limited collegiate experience, with his only appearance coming in Auburn’s game against Maryland during the Music City Bowl. In that contest, Brown made an impression by completing seven out of nine passes, amassing a total of 132 yards. Though his playing time at the college level has been brief, Brown’s performance demonstrated his potential to contribute when given the opportunity.
Before his time at Auburn, Brown made a name for himself in high school, where he played under the guidance of former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer. As the starting quarterback for his high school team, Brown led them to a state championship, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His success at the high school level, combined with his brief but promising college debut, has led to anticipation about his future potential, especially as he steps into a more prominent role with Auburn.
This Saturday, Brown is set to take the field as Auburn’s starting quarterback, replacing Payton Thorne. The Tigers are scheduled to face New Mexico at 6:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2. It will be a significant opportunity for Brown to showcase his skills on a larger stage, as he takes on the responsibility of leading Auburn’s offense. With the support of his team and coaching staff, Brown will aim to make the most of this chance and help guide the Tigers to a victory in front of their home crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
This game will be particularly important for Auburn as they look to bounce back from their recent loss to Cal, and all eyes will be on Brown to see how he handles the challenge of starting in such a crucial matchup.