NC State OL Kage Payne brings size, toughness, and a high-floor line profile
Kage Payne is a **2026 sophomore offensive lineman** for NC State who arrives with a strong prep résumé: a three-year starter, team captain, and two-time all-state/all-region/all-city performer at Kings High School. He was also part of a state Final Four team, which hints at a competitive, winning background. At **6-2 and 290 pounds**, he looks like a compact interior lineman with the kind of edge coaches usually want in the room. NC State lists no collegiate stats yet, so the appeal is his development upside, leadership traits, and ready-made physicality rather than production.
