Damon Payne Reveals Surprising Truth About Work Ethic at Michigan vs. Alabama—You Won’t Believe What He Said!

Damon Payne’s journey through college football has taken an interesting route — after spending three seasons under the legendary Nick Saban at Alabama, this Michigan native has decided to take his talents back home for his fifth and final year. It’s a move that’s sparked plenty of buzz, especially given the powerhouse reputations of both programs. Yet, what surprises most is Payne’s take on the transition: he sees striking parallels in the work ethic at Alabama and Michigan, down to the relentless grind that defines top-tier college football. The shift back hasn’t been without its nuances — a fresh atmosphere, colder weather, new faces — but Payne likens it to that familiar, exciting jitters of a first day of school. As Michigan gears up for its next test against Wisconsin, Payne’s perspective offers a unique lens into what it means to compete at the highest level across two storied football programs. LEARN MORE

Damon Payne is spending his fifth year of college football at Michigan after transferring from Alabama.
Payne notes few differences between the two programs, comparing the work ethic at both schools.
He described his transition to Michigan as a positive experience, similar to the first day of school.

Damon Payne decided to spend his fifth year of college football back home, as the former Belleville (Mich.) product started his career at Alabama before transferring to Michigan football. That means that he played for three years under legendary head coach Nick Saban and one under Kalen DeBoer.

Considering that Alabama has long been seen as the gold standard (at least under Saban), that means he knows what it looks like to play football at the highest level — even if the Crimson Tide last won a national championship the year before Payne arrived in Tuscaloosa.

So, when he compares his two experiences, there should be a bit of a difference between the two programs, right? Not so much, Payne says.

“I don’t really see much difference as far as work-wise,” Payne said. “Work doesn’t stop, no matter where you go. It’s a little colder here, but that’s about it. It’s nice having a 70-degree day over 95, so it’s pretty cool that way.”

Of course, Michigan has won a national championship more recently than Alabama (in fact, the Crimson Tide lost to the Wolverines twice in a calendar year), but the Wolverines also struggled out of the gates last year in Sherrone Moore’s first leading the program. So for Payne to feel like there’s no difference is a big compliment.

But for Payne, it was good coming home, even if it was a bit of an adjustment. But once he had, it’s been a good experience.

“Yeah, it’s like first day of school pretty much, just feeling it out, knowing the guys, them embracing you,” Payne said. “I say, I compare it to that, and it’s been a great transition.

Payne’s next game will come on Saturday, with Michigan football hosting Wisconsin at The Big House at noon EDT.