Damon Payne
Career Summary
Damon Payne is a defensive lineman who finished his college career at Michigan after four seasons at Alabama.
Payne entered the NFL as an undrafted player in 2026.
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Early Life
Payne is from Belleville, Michigan.
Michigan lists Belleville as his hometown.
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High School
Payne attended Belleville High School.
He was a composite five-star recruit and an Under Armour All-American Game participant.
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College Career
Payne played 32 games at Alabama and all 13 games at Michigan in 2025.
At Michigan, he made 16 tackles, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup in five starts. At Alabama, he totaled 30 tackles, two tackles for loss, a half-sack and two fumble recoveries.
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Path to the NFL
Payne entered the NFL as an undrafted player in 2026.
Michigan's NFL alumni list identifies Payne as undrafted in 2026.
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Career Accomplishments
Payne helped Alabama reach the College Football Playoff in 2022 and 2023 and the 2022 national championship game.
He earned a varsity letter at Michigan in 2025 and three at Alabama.
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Playing Style
Payne's college usage centered on interior defensive-line work.
His 2025 Michigan season included starts at nose tackle and defensive tackle, with production in tackles for loss and a pass breakup.
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31948, 00-0040960, 4/15/2003, Damon Payne, Damon, Payne
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
MFT Score: 0.0
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.