Wolverine Digest

BREAKING: Michigan lands former five-star DL from transfer portal

Trent Knoop|
Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Things are starting to heat up for Michigan in the transfer portal. Not only are the Wolverines a top contender for the top-ranked tight end and the top-ranked running back, but Michigan just landed one of the top defensive tackles in the portal. Moments ago, On3 reported that Michigan was set to sign former Alabama lineman Damon Payne.

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. Payne is currently the 146th-ranked recruit in the transfer portal, per On3.

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.

Payne is expected to have one year of eligibility remaining with Michigan.

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Report: One portal QB to keep an eye on for Michigan Football

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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.

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