As a freshman, Payne averaged 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, playing in 34 games.
During that year he was diagnosed with permanent reduced lung capacity, an ailment which affects his stamina.

In his sophomore season, he led the team in blocks (39) and finished seventh in the Big 10.
In 37 games (36 starts), he averaged 7.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
He was an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

As a junior, Payne led the Big Ten in free-throw percentage (.848) and blocked a total of 46 shots, good for sixth all-time for a Michigan State player.
In 36 games (24 starts), he averaged 10.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game.
Payne was named to the Second Team All Big Ten, along with Michigan State teammates Keith Appling and Gary Harris.

Coming into his senior year, Payne was on the preseason Naismith and Wooden Award watchlists.
CBS Sports selected him to the preseason Third Team All-America.
He was named to the Midseason Wooden Award Top 25 watchlist.
Payne was twice named Big Ten Player of the Week.
He missed 
seven games due to suffering an ankle injury.
At the conclusion of the regular season Payne was named Second Team All-Big Ten.
As a freshman, Payne averaged 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, playing in 34 games. During that year he was diagnosed with permanent reduced lung capacity, an ailment which affects his stamina.
In his sophomore season, he led the team in blocks (39) and finished seventh in the Big 10. In 37 games (36 starts), he averaged 7.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He was an Academic All-Big Ten selection.
As a junior, Payne led the Big Ten in free-throw percentage (.848) and blocked a total of 46 shots, good for sixth all-time for a Michigan State player. In 36 games (24 starts), he averaged 10.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game. Payne was named to the Second Team All Big Ten, along with Michigan State teammates Keith Appling and Gary Harris.
Coming into his senior year, Payne was on the preseason Naismith and Wooden Award watchlists. CBS Sports selected him to the preseason Third Team All-America. He was named to the Midseason Wooden Award Top 25 watchlist. Payne was twice named Big Ten Player of the Week. He missed 
seven games due to suffering an ankle injury. At the conclusion of the regular season Payne was named Second Team All-Big Ten.
Adreian Payne