Michigan State Football: Post-spring 2-deep depth chart projections for 2022
Quarterback
Starting quarterback: Payton Thorne
Backup: Noah Kim OR Katin Houser
This last position is a no-brainer and that’s because, well, Payton Thorne broke some records in his first full season as Michigan State’s QB1.
Thorne saw the field a little bit behind Rocky Lombardi in 2020 but no one knew what to expect in 2021 and he delivered in a big way. Not only did he pass for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, but he led one of the most explosive Michigan State offenses in recent memory. His 27 touchdown passes were good for first all-time in school history for a single season.
Although he can afford to improve his accuracy (completing just about 60 percent of his throws), he didn’t make a ton of mistakes. He will have plenty of weapons at his disposal this season.
Behind Thorne will likely be Noah Kim who has been impressive in the past two spring games but freshman Katin Houser will be nipping at his heels. This may be a learning season for Houser but he’s potentially one injury away from being thrown in there as Michigan State’s QB1. Houser is good enough to play early on.
A fun quarterback battle is brewing behind Thorne for possibly 2023 and beyond.