UPDATE: Transfer portal DT Damon Payne Jr. does not sign with Michigan
UPDATE (12:22 p.m.): Damon Payne Jr.’s representation has stated that he is not currently signed, per The Wolverine’s EJ Holland.
“Damon Payne is not current signed with any school, and he will be releasing his commitment under his own terms very soon.” Michigan remains a strong contender for the Belleville, Mich., native who was a top-50 recruit before playing at Alabama, but will have to continue to recruit him. Per his mentor, Darryl Graham, a visit to USC could be in the cards. He added that a return to Alabama, Notre Dame and Oregon are other possibilities.
The original story follows…
The Michigan Wolverines have signed another member of their transfer portal class, inking former Alabama defensive tackle Damon Payne Jr. on Wednesday morning, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
He has one season of eligibility remaining.
Payne, a Belleville, Michigan native, is the No. 12 defensive tackle in the portal and No. 146 overall player, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was a four-star recruit in the 2021 class and the No. 2 prospect in the state of Michigan, ranking 49th nationally.
This season, Payne had 14 tackles and a fumble recovery in eight games played. He redshirted in 2021 before playing in six games in 2022, and then emerged as a rotational piece in 2023 for an Alabama team that lost to Michigan in the Rose Bowl semifinal of the College Football Playoff.
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Defensive line depth has been a need for Michigan this offseason with Mason Graham declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Other recent targets on the interior include former Kentucky tackle Keeshawn Silver, who visited over the weekend, and former LSU and Grand Valley State lineman Jay’Viar Suggs.
Michigan is still waiting official word from defensive tackle Kenneth Grant on his decision to stay in Ann Arbor or head to the NFL. While many have expected him to declare, no official word has emerged yet for his final season of eligibility in Ann Arbor. Senior defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny could return for one more season, which would bolster the interior ranks even more for the Wolverines.
Payne is the fifth addition of the portal cycle for Michigan, along with Indiana wide receiver Donaven McCulley, Cal Poly offensive tackle Brady Norton, and Arkansas defensive backs TJ Metcalf and Tevis Metcalf.
This story is developing.
