Alabama Football Program's Conditioning Called Into Question by Transfer, Michigan Lineman

Payne Jr. Comments on Tide's Conditioning

"We talked this week because we're playing Oklahoma," Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito said of Payne Jr. according to journalist Alejando Zuniga.

"They played him last last year when he was at Alabama, and there's a couple of clips of him on tape.

"And I said, 'Man, you look different,'" Esposito continued.

"And he goes: 'Coach, we run a lot more here. We work out differently. I feel way better,'" Esposito said of Payne.

Payne Jr. hails from Belleville, Michigan, the same city as freshman QB Bryce Underwood. He played his first three seasons in Tuscaloosa where he recorded a half of a sack and 30 tackles.

Payne Jr. had three tackles against New Mexico, a strong showing during a game in which Michigan gave up just 50 rushing yards with the Alabama transfer manning the middle of the defense.

Alabama Dominated on the Ground vs. Florida State

The Crimson Tide were outgained 230 yards to 87 against Florida State on the road this past Saturday as coach Kalen DeBoer's team faltered without Payne Jr. in the lineup, albeit against tougher competition than the Wolverines faced.

Alabama's rough start to the 2025 season combined with its ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan on Dec. 31, 2024 has fans upset about the direction of the program, which is likely to add fuel to the fire now that Payne Jr.'s comments have begun circulating.

The struggles of the Tide caused Paul Finebaum to comment on whether Nick Saban might return to the coaching role that made him a legend in Tuscaloosa.

Meanwhile, former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron called out Tide receiver Ryan Williams, comparing him in a not-so-flattering way to Ohio State superstar Jeremiah Smith.

Whether Alabama and coach DeBoer's team have a conditioning problem remains to be fully seen.

The team's upcoming challenges in the SEC will once again show whether or not the Alabama faithful have a national title contender or a team destined for a second or third tier bowl game.