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.

• NFL Mock Draft Database Feb 19, 2026

  Elijah Paige 2027 NFL Mock Draft Profile — OT - NFL Mock Draft Database

• Sports Illustrated Jun 4, 2026

  Three Critical Games for USC Left Tackle Elijah Paige's Season - Sports Illustrated
• Sports Illustrated Feb 4, 2026

  The Impact of Elijah Paige’s Return for USC's Offense - Sports Illustrated
• Sports Illustrated Jan 15, 2025

  USC Trojans' Elijah Paige Makes History: Earns Freshman All-American - Sports Illustrated