A native of Miami, Florida, Payne was an All-Dade County offensive lineman and wrestler at Miami Killian High School. Payne started 40 games during his four years at the University of Michigan, including 37 consecutive games. Payne was twice named first team All Big Ten and in 1996 was named the Most Valuable Player on the Michigan team, a team co-captain (with Jarrett Irons), and a first team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association. Payne was an ambidextrous center. Payne once broke his right wrist during the Michigan-Michigan State Paul Bunyan Trophy game and proceeded to snap the ball for the rest of his game with his left hand.