Payton Thorne's Auburn football teammate stands up for him after Cal loss

Auburn football has, if not a winning record under Hugh Freeze, a good culture under the second-year head coach. After Payton Thorne became a scapegoat following a four-interception, 14/27 passing performance against Cal in a 21-14 loss, running back Damari Alston stuck up for him.

“I just told [Payton Thorne] to keep his head up…I hate to see fans turning on him," Alston said on The Next Round Live. "The week before everyone was loving him, this week everyone is hating on him a little bit. I just want him to know this team has his back.”

Thorne has lost much of the fanbase and could be losing some of his receivers, too. Rivaldo Fairweather, his top target in 2023, has become an afterthought; three catches for 30 yards in two games in 2024. Cam Coleman is injured.

There's a lot of bad news under center. But there's a way for Tiger fans to have an impact on the QB decision.

Tiger fans lobbying to donate NIL to Auburn football if Hank Brown starts at QB

Tiger fans can be the change they want to see under center for their team. All they need to do is put their money where their mouths are and donate NIL to the On To Victory fund.

Auburn's QB2, Hank Brown, shared a link to the NIL collective for a $17 monthly payment plan to support him directly. Many are calling for Freeze to replace Thorne with Brown, who has shined in two appearances against Maryland in the 2023 Music City Bowl and in Week 1 with Alabama A&M in town.

If that's what you want, why not donate now? Perhaps word will reach the grapevine and the right people will understand that Brown is quite literally a money-maker.

College football is pay to play in the NIL era and fans just may be able to pay to get their guy to play.