Auburn Tigers Have a Legitimate Darkhorse Heisman Hopeful for 2024 Season, According to New CBS Sports National Ranking

The Heisman Trophy conversation always seems to revolve around the same programs year after year. Blue bloods like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, and USC regularly send players to New York for college football’s most prestigious individual award. But every now and then, a surprise contender crashes the party—a darkhorse who comes out of nowhere to capture national attention and thrust his program into the spotlight.

For the 2024 college football season, CBS Sports believes the Auburn Tigers may have one of those players.

In a recent feature ranking unexpected Heisman Trophy hopefuls, CBS Sports listed Auburn’s dual-threat quarterback Payton Thorne as a legitimate darkhorse candidate capable of turning the award race upside down. It’s a bold prediction for a player whose first year on The Plains was filled with ups and downs, but one that reflects the growing belief that the Tigers are on the verge of something special under head coach Hugh Freeze.

Thorne, the former Michigan State starter, transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2023 season, hoping to jumpstart his career and help rebuild a proud SEC program hungry for national relevance. While his first season wearing orange and blue had its rocky moments, Thorne showed flashes of the playmaking ability that made him one of the Big Ten’s most efficient quarterbacks during his time in East Lansing.

CBS Sports acknowledged those inconsistencies but argued that Thorne’s talent, combined with Auburn’s revamped offense, returning weapons, and favorable schedule, could set the stage for a breakout 2024 campaign.

“Don’t be surprised if Payton Thorne elevates his game and becomes one of the most productive quarterbacks in the SEC,” the CBS Sports analysis read. “The Heisman is about numbers, signature wins, and national attention. If Auburn exceeds expectations and Thorne leads the charge, his name will be in the conversation.”

Auburn fans, desperate for a return to national prominence, have plenty of reasons to buy into the hype. Freeze, known for his offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks, enters his second year with a more stable roster, a deeper quarterback room, and an upgraded supporting cast.

The Tigers also have a manageable early schedule that could allow them to build momentum before diving into the heart of SEC play. If Thorne can pile up stats and help Auburn notch an upset or two, his Heisman stock will undoubtedly rise.

It wouldn’t be the first time an Auburn quarterback came out of nowhere to shake up the Heisman race. Fans still vividly remember Cam Newton’s magical 2010 season, when the junior college transfer led the Tigers to an undefeated campaign, an SEC title, a national championship, and Auburn’s third-ever Heisman Trophy. Newton’s blend of arm talent, athleticism, and clutch performances made him a national sensation and cemented his place in college football history.

While it’s unfair to compare Thorne to Newton—few players in the sport’s modern era have reached that level—there are parallels. Both transferred into Auburn with doubters questioning whether they could deliver. Both entered their second season under scrutiny but with an opportunity to lead a program hungry for success.

Thorne’s 2023 numbers were modest by SEC standards. He finished the year with 1,833 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while adding 425 yards and five scores on the ground. However, his late-season performances showed signs of progress, particularly in Auburn’s upset bid against Alabama in the Iron Bowl, where Thorne’s mobility and decision-making kept the Tigers competitive until the final whistle.

With another offseason to learn Freeze’s system, develop chemistry with his receivers, and refine his mechanics, Thorne could be primed for a significant jump in production. Auburn also returns several key playmakers, including dynamic running back Jarquez Hunter and wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson, giving Thorne the weapons he needs to operate at a high level.

Freeze himself has expressed confidence that Thorne can take the next step, praising his work ethic, leadership, and football IQ during spring practices. Reports from inside the program indicate that Thorne has emerged as a vocal leader in the locker room and is fully embracing the responsibility that comes with being Auburn’s QB1.

The Heisman Trophy race is often as much about narrative as it is about stats. If Thorne guides Auburn to significant improvement in the win column and pulls off a signature victory over a top-tier opponent—be it Georgia, Alabama, or LSU—his profile will soar. The Tigers have been starving for a star to rally around, and Thorne has the stage to become that figure.

CBS Sports’ list of darkhorse candidates also reflects a broader trend in college football: the increasing parity across programs and conferences. While household names like Georgia’s Carson Beck and Texas’ Quinn Ewers dominate preseason Heisman chatter, history shows the award often rewards unexpected breakout stars. Players like Joe Burrow at LSU in 2019 or Robert Griffin III at Baylor in 2011 defied the odds to seize the trophy, transforming themselves and their programs in the process.

For Auburn, having a player even mentioned in Heisman discussions marks a step forward. The program has endured several turbulent seasons filled with coaching changes, inconsistent quarterback play, and disappointing finishes. But Freeze’s arrival, coupled with improved recruiting and player development, has rekindled optimism on The Plains.

The 2024 campaign represents a pivotal moment for the Tigers. Auburn’s demanding SEC schedule remains a gauntlet, but the Tigers are quietly building depth and confidence. If Thorne can elevate his play, limit turnovers, and deliver in big moments, the narrative surrounding Auburn football could shift dramatically.

Critics may scoff at the notion of Thorne as a Heisman hopeful, pointing to his uneven 2023 stats or Auburn’s recent struggles. But college football is unpredictable by nature. Each season brings surprise contenders, unexpected upsets, and players who defy expectations. Thorne, armed with a full year in the system, improved chemistry with his teammates, and a coach known for maximizing quarterback potential, could be the next name to watch.

Of course, Thorne’s path to New York won’t be easy. The SEC remains the deepest, most competitive conference in college football. Defenses like Georgia’s, Alabama’s, and LSU’s will test Thorne’s poise and execution every week. But for a player labeled a darkhorse, the challenge is part of the allure.

Auburn supporters can take heart knowing that, regardless of how the Heisman race unfolds, the Tigers appear to be trending upward. National outlets like CBS Sports recognizing Auburn players in preseason award conversations signals renewed respect for a program eager to rejoin college football’s elite.

In the end, whether Payton Thorne hoists the Heisman Trophy or not, his emergence as a darkhorse candidate underscores a larger truth: Auburn football is back in the national conversation. With Freeze at the helm, Thorne under center, and the Tigers hungry for success, the 2024 season holds the promise of surprises—and maybe, just maybe, a Heisman contender on The Plains.