It was a crazy day in terms of transfer portal recruiting for Michigan football. The Wolverines had appeared to have gotten a commitment and a signing from former Belleville (Mich.) five-star defensive tackle Damon Payne — who has been at Alabama since 2021 — but that’s when things went haywire.
Payne had signed with the Wolverines, it was reported by multiple outlets. However, some in his circle indicated that wasn’t actually the case. He got his signing voided and appeared to still be on the open market.
But later on Wednesday, Payne took to his Instagram to announce he is indeed committing to the maize and blue.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDvspYqR9A4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Payne is the fifth transfer portal commit for Michigan football this cycle, joining Indiana wide receiver Donaven McCulley, Arkansas defensive backs TJ and Tevis Metcalf, and Cal Poly offensive lineman Brady Norton.
Here is how he ranked originally as a recruit:
| * | Ovr | Pos | St | |
| 247Sports Composite | 5 | 24 | 7 | 1 |
| On3 Industry Ranking | 4 | 49 | 7 | 2 |
| 247Sports | 4 | 39 | 9 | 2 |
| On3 | 4 | 167 | 17 | 4 |
| ESPN | 4 | 26 | 3 | 1 |
| Rivals | 4 | 39 | 2 | 1 |
Payne has one year of eligibility remaining.