Michigan football has finally secured their target. Wednesday was a rollercoaster for Wolverines fans, following the twists and turns surrounding Alabama transfer Damon Payne. Despite the confusion, the Wolverines landed another top defensive talent from the transfer portal.
Damon Payne’s agent, Steve Fantetti, issued a statement via Nick Schultz of On3 to address the situation:
“Damon Payne is not currently signed with any school, and he will be releasing his commitment under his own terms very soon,” Fantetti explained on Wednesday, as reported by EJ Holland.
Later that night, Payne took to Instagram to announce his decision, declaring his commitment to Michigan with the caption, “No place like home,” accompanied by a stylized ‘M’ emoji.
Payne becomes the fifth transfer portal addition for the Wolverines this offseason, joining Indiana WR Donaven McCulley, Arkansas DBs TJ and Tevis Metcalf, and Cal Poly OL Brady Norton.
What does Damon Payne bring to Michigan football?
Payne, a former five-star recruit from Belleville, Michigan, was ranked as the No. 49 overall player and the No. 2 prospect in Michigan during the 2021 recruiting class, according to On3.
After redshirting in 2021, Payne earned a spot in Alabama’s starting lineup, staying with the program through the coaching transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer. Over three seasons, he recorded 30 tackles, three tackles for loss, half a sack, and a fumble recovery.
Payne’s arrival will help fill the void left by Mason Graham, who recently declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. With only one season of eligibility remaining, Payne will aim to make an immediate impact on Michigan’s defensive line in Ann Arbor.
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