BREAKING: 3-star OL Kage Payne flips to NC State
By Ethan McDowell
NC State picked up its third offensive line commitment of the 2025 recruiting cycle Tuesday evening when Kage Payne, a former Troy commit, flipped to the Wolfpack. He announced his decision on social media.
The Pack offered the three-star interior prospect Aug. 8, and the Kings Mills (Ohio) High standout wasted no time making his decision. He also held offers from Syracuse, James Madison and many other Group of Five programs.
He camped with the Wolfpack each of the past four years. This summer, he impressed the staff with his quickness, power, mentality and football IQ. Payne, an interior prospect who measured a little over 6-2 and 285 pounds with a wingspan of 79 3/4 inches in June, committed to Troy earlier this month.
NC State now holds 17 commitments in its 2025 class. He joins three-star center Isaac Sowells Jr. and three-star tackle Michael Gibbs in the Pack’s offensive line group.
On3 considers him the No. 143 interior offensive lineman nationally and the No. 71 recruit in Ohio.
Class of 2025 Commitment Timeline
June 27, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star quarterback Will Wilson, Columbia (S.C.) Richland Northeast
Aug. 12, 2023 — On3 Industry three-star tight end Gus Ritchey, Cary (N.C.) High
March 22, 2024 — On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Colby Cronk, Palm Coast (Fla.) Flagler Palm Coast High
May 4, 2024 — On3 Industry three-star safety Tristan Teasdell, Leesburg (Va.) Tuscarora High
June 9, 2024— On3 Industry three-star wide receiver Jamar Browder, Lake Worth (Fla.) Santaluces Community High
June 12, 2024— On3 Industry three-star cornerback Caden Gordon, Lake Worth (Fla.) Santaluces Community High
June 21, 2024— On3 Industry three-star cornerback Cam Strong, Anderson (S.C.) T L Hanna High
June 23, 2024— On3 Industry three-star wide receiver Arrion Concepcion, Charlotte (N.C.) Chambers High
June 23, 2024— On3 Industry three-star running back RJ Boyd, Waycross (Ga.) Ware County High
June 23, 2024— On3 Industry four-star wide receiver Jerel Bolder, Marshville (N.C.) Forest Hills High
June 24, 2024— On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Omarian Abraham, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage High
June 30, 2024— On3 Industry three-star offensive lineman Michael Gibbs, Wilmington (N.C.) Hoggard High
July 4, 2024— On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Makhi Williams-Lee, Atlanta (Ga.) Lakeside High
July 5, 2024— On3 Industry three-star running back Kentrell Rinehart, Columbus (Ohio) Westland High
July 18, 2024— On3 Industry three-star defensive lineman Mykah Newton, Newberry (Fla.) High
July 18, 2024— On3 Industry three-star offensive lineman Isaac Sowells Jr., Louisville (KY) Male High
Aug. 13, 2024— On3 Industry three-star offensive lineman Kage Payne, Kings Mills (Ohio) High
