Payton Kirkland is a three-star recruit from Orlando, FL, out of Dr. Phillips (No. 559 in the 2023 class) who has not played in UAB's 8 games this season.
Where Kirkland comes from
- Orlando, FL
- Dr. Phillips
- About 450 miles from Protective Stadium
- Three-star, No. 559 in the 2023 class; signed with Texas.
- On the UAB roster since 2025
Where Kirkland fits
UAB lists 25 offensive linemen this season.
The team’s line is 60th in the country in passing-downs success rate this season (a team number).
UAB is 4-4. Next: vs Charlotte, Sat Nov 7.
Similar players
Same class and position
From Dr. Phillips
Also from Orlando, FL
Came to UAB by way of Colorado.
Where to follow
Awards
A three-star recruit at offensive line for UAB -- now projected as a quality starter at the position.
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 60th nationally in passing-downs success rate this season. See the full unit breakdown →
UAB has produced 11 All-Conference offensive linemen.
Four seasons, three schools
- 2026 UAB MortensenYear 4 · Games –
- Jan 2026 Entered the transfer portal
- 2025 UAB DilferYear 3 · Games –
- May 2025 Entered the transfer portalColorado to UAB
- 2024 Colorado SandersYear 2 · Games –
- Apr 2024 Entered the transfer portalTexas to Colorado
- 2023 Texas SarkisianYear 1 · Games –
- High school Dr. PhillipsOrlando, FL · Class of 2023Three-star, No. 559 in the 2023 class. Signed with Texas.Also from Dr. Phillips: Jashad Presley (UTSA), Maliki Wright (Kennesaw State), Maurice Jones Jr. (Missouri State) and 2 more.
Moves
- Transferred from Texas to Colorado, Apr 16, 2024.
- Transferred from Colorado to UAB, May 1, 2025.
- Entered the transfer portal from UAB, Jan 2, 2026.
2023
- Signed with TexasThree-star, out of Dr. Phillips
2024
- Transferred to Coloradofrom Texas
2025
- Transferred to UABfrom Colorado
2026
- Entered the portalfrom UAB
Coaching lineage · 2023–2026
4 coachesPlayed for 4 head coaches at 3 schools: Steve Sarkisian, Deion Sanders, Trent Dilfer and Alex Mortensen.
In the portal · 2026
In transfer portal
