Elijha Payne
Senior offensive lineman on Eastern Michigan's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′6″ · 315 lb · Las Vegas, NV · Sierra Canyon
Recruiting
OT recruit
No. 797 nationally · Signed with Arizona
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
4 offensive lineman on Eastern Michigan's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Arizona in 2023.
- Transferred from Arizona to Delaware State in 2025.
Elijha Payne
Arizona to Delaware State — the move that set up everything since.
Low coverage — composed from the verified record.
- portal record
His career
2023
- Signed with Arizona3-star out of Sierra Canyon
2025
- Entered the portal
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Chris Creighton
Pass share
58.2%
107 pass / 77 run
Plays / game
61.3
3 games
Team sack rate
5.1%
117 dropbacks · PBP
Scheme: Pass-leaning, slow tempo.
Awards
A three-star recruit at offensive line for Eastern Michigan -- now graded to hold down a real starting-caliber role.
Offensive line play doesn't show up in a box score. Here's what actually tells you whether he's good.
The unit he anchors ranks 3rd nationally in stuff rate allowed this season. See the full unit breakdown →
Eastern Michigan has produced 3 All-Conference offensive linemen. 1 has gone on to the NFL Draft since 2023. Sidy Sow went on to the NFL out of this room (2023).
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Eastern Michigan
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Offensive line · Eastern Michigan
Returning around him
- 72% of 2024 offensive production back (Strong continuity)
- Transfer portal: -14 net (12 in / 26 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Eastern Michigan · Last season: 4-8 · Talent rank #103 · 2026 recruiting class #106
Background
EMU: 2026: Joins the program as a transfer after a season at Delaware State University...Enrolled for the Winter 2026 semester...DELAWARE STATE: Played and started in five games on the offensive line…ARIZONA: 2024: Did not make an appearance during the 2024 season...2023: Did not make an appearan...