Michigan State Football: Top 5 All-American candidates for 2022

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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Michigan State’s Payton Thorne runs the ball against Western Kentucky during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.211002 Msu Wku Fb 203a /

Hear me out: Payton Thorne is going to have a huge season for Michigan State.

No one really expected the kind of year he had in 2021, breaking the single-season MSU passing touchdowns record and with another year of experience under his belt, he’s only going to improve in the areas that could have been considered weaknesses.

Which areas are those? Accuracy and decision-making. Plus, he has some really impressive weapons to throw to such as Jayden Reed, Keon Coleman, Tre Mosley, Germie Bernard, Maliq Carr, and Daniel Barker. Add in guys like Jalen Berger and Jarek Broussard and this offense should take off.

The key to Thorne potentially pushing for an All-American spot is the offensive line. If he can stay upright and get time to actually throw and not run for his life, he’s going to put up numbers.

Thorne had over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns with the nation’s 17th-best QBR a year ago and there’s no reason he shouldn’t improve across the board.

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