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Michigan State Football: Each quarterback’s chance of starting in 2020

By Jack Williams

Rocky Lombardi, Michigan State football (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
Rocky Lombardi, Michigan State football (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 30: Head coach Mel Tucker of the Colorado Buffaloes looks on in the second quarter of a game against the Colorado State Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 30, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 30: Head coach Mel Tucker of the Colorado Buffaloes looks on in the second quarter of a game against the Colorado State Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 30, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Payton Thorne

Of the three top quarterbacks on this list, Payton Thorne probably has the smallest chance of being a starter. That’s not to say he doesn’t have a chance, but Theo Day and Rocky Lombardi are clearly the top two options. In fact, during a normal season I’d say he has as good a chance as any. But with the novel coronavirus looming, his hopes of being the starter are starting to dwindle.

Thorne had about as decorated of a career as he could have at Naperville Central, setting new school records in completions, touchdowns, and passing yards. This came along with a Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year award. Thorne would finish with over 7,000 passing yards in his career and over 100 total touchdowns.

Thorne’s chances might be as high as anybody. He hasn’t proven himself at the college level, but neither has Theo Day. Lombardi is the only quarterback on the roster with on field experience in college and he hasn’t made much of a case for himself. I’d guess Day, Lombardi, and Thorne will all get their shot at one point or another this coming season.

Confidence Meter: 25 percent

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