Former Auburn Kicker Heads To Michigan State

After entering the transfer portal last week, Ben Patton has found a new home. The former Auburn kicker has transferred to Michigan State, joining up with the Spartans last week. Originally from Rochester, Michigan, Patton heads back home, with East Lansing just an hour away.

Michigan State announced on Monday that they've added kicker Ben Patton to their roster.

Patton is a grad transfer from Auburn.

More HERE:https://t.co/VUOSG1NrAL pic.twitter.com/PLDQDbHLEX

— On3 (@On3sports) August 22, 2022

Patton has a special place in the hearts of Tigers fans. Joining the team as a walk-on in 2019, Patton has been the primary backup to Anders Carlson the past two years. He saw game time as a holder in 2021 before assuming kicking duties when Carlson tore his ACL in November. Patton was accurate, hitting five of his six field goal attempts and all six extra points in the four games played. His ice cold performance in the Iron Bowl kept Auburn in the contest – hitting a 49 yarder in the second overtime period. Ultimately the Tigers would lose the game, but Patton more than did his job.

Writing On The Wall

Despite being the lead kicker in Spring, Ben Patton knew his time at Auburn was coming to an end. Anders Carlson has since returned to the field after completely rehabbing his ACL. He moves straight ahead of Patton in the pecking order, taking the majority of the kicks in Fall camp. Not to mention The Tigers addition of Alex McPherson, the top kicker in the 2022 recruiting class. Patton was ultimately third choice heading into the season, and decided he wanted a chance to start elsewhere.

Ben Patton hits a go-ahead, 49-yard field goal in the Iron Bowl. Wow. pic.twitter.com/K0Ni8A7ckv

— Zak (@CaramelPhd) November 28, 2021

The timing of Patton’s departure made sense. He earned his business degree earlier this month, and with three years of eligibility remaining has his whole athletic career ahead of him. Now at MSU, he will battle senior Jayden Reed (also the team’s punter) and junior Montorie Foster for the job. I think I speak for the entirety of Tiger Nation when I wish Ben all the best in his future endeavors. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger – WDE!