Wolverine Digest

Michigan Football announces fifth transfer portal signee

Trent Knoop|
Kimberly P. Mitchell via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The Wolverines had already announced four of their transfer portal signees: TJ and Tevis Metcalf, Donaven McCulley, and Brady Norton. Michigan recently announced the latest addition to its 2025 roster after Alabama defensive tackle Damon Payne Jr. made it official and became a Wolverine.

It was an odd recruitment of Payne. It was announced on Wednesday morning that Michigan had landed the former five-star defensive lineman from Alabama. But later on, reports surfaced that Payne's paperwork had been nullified which meant he was open to sign with another team. But on Wednesday night, Payne announced he had committed to Michigan and would be a Wolverine after all.

Payned signed with Alabama in the 2021 class and was a five-star recruit. He was the 24th-ranked prospect at the time and hailed from Belleville (MI) -- the same school Bryce Underwood is from. According to 247Sports, Payne is the 10th-best defensive lineman in the portal.

During his Alabama career, the 313-pound lineman has recorded 30 tackles and 0.5 sacks. With Michigan losing Mason Graham and potentially Kenneth Grant, Payne could play a major factor for Michigan in 2025. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

Davis Warren's first impression of Bryce Underwood: 'You’re not the No. 1 recruit in the country for no reason'

TJ Guy on Jaishawn Barham moving to Edge: 'It’s gonna be problems for offensive lines'

Sherrone Moore's message to Davis Warren after signing Bryce Underwood, looking for portal QB

Column: 5 transfer QBs Michigan Football should target

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

Published
Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

Share on XFollow @trentknoop
Home/Football