Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2022 depth chart projection

Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) and quarterback Payton Thorne (10) celebrate after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) drops back to pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterbacks

Starting quarterback: Payton Thorne
Backups: Katin Houser, Hamp Fay, Noah Kim

There won’t be a question mark at the quarterback position for the first time in two years, and that feels so good to say.

Michigan State landed on Payton Thorne this season over Temple transfer Anthony Russo and the decision paid off big-time for the staff. Jay Johnson got a ton of production out of his sophomore quarterback in his first full season as starter as he even broke some records.

In fact, Thorne broke Michigan State’s single-season touchdown passes record, throwing 27, and he finished third in school history in passing yards in a season. He’s now 10th all-time at Michigan State in passing touchdowns (30) and looks to be on the verge of cracking the top 10 next season in yards. He’ll be one of the Big Ten’s best quarterbacks in 2022.

Behind him, I think Katin Houser is good enough to win the backup job, but he’ll be pushed by Hamp Fay. The odd man out here I believe will be Noah Kim.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone transfer out if they’re too low on the depth chart after spring ball.

A very, very strong quarterback room, though.

Next. MSU basketball: 5 bold predictions for January. dark

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