Payton Thorne is expecting big things as Michigan State prepares for the 2022 season. According to the Spartan QB, that’s one thing that has changed for this team since entering 2021.

After winning 11 games last year and competing for a B1G title, expectations are high for this team.

“Our goals haven’t changed but our expectations have,” Thorne explained as the team opened fall camp.

Last year, Thorne had an exceptional year at quarterback for the Spartans throwing for over 3,200 yards and 27 touchdowns. Thorne doesn’t seem to be bothered that this year’s team is expected to compete for the B1G again but also for a College Football Playoff bid.

Part of the reason expectations are high is because of the combination of Thorne and sophomore wide receiver Keon Coleman. Coleman is expected to contribute a lot this year and Thorne has said to reporters that he and Coleman have developed good chemistry this offseason.

Yet despite all of that and the great year he had last season, Thorne isn’t even on most college football analysts radar as far as great returning quarterbacks but he should be.

Thorne was a huge reason for the Spartans’ 11-win season. If they are going to compete for a B1G title and the CFP, he may be the reason the Spartans get there.