USC's blind-side anchor and the offense's most important returning lineman — a 6-7, 320-pound former top-250 recruit who has held the left tackle job as a multi-year starter at the game's most premium blocking position. The staff's behavior tells the story: when Paige missed time late in 2025, USC's protection plans visibly changed, and his re-signing for 2026 was treated as headline retention news. Tackles do not produce box scores, so this grade leans on role, pedigree and program value — and it stays honest about two things. The 2025 season was interrupted by injury (out against Iowa and UCLA before returning against Nebraska), and no 2027 mock or board has picked him up yet, meaning the draft market has not confirmed the evaluation. He sits on the 2028 timeline with a redshirt year in hand; a fully healthy season anchoring an improved USC front is the proof this Day 3-track projection needs.