Top prospect Named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List
Elijah Paige Named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List
LOS ANGELES—USC offensive lineman Elijah Paige has been added to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List, announced today (Aug. 28). This prestigious award recognizes the most outstanding freshman player (either true freshman or redshirt freshman) in college football.
Paige joined USC in the spring of 2023 after completing high school a semester early. During his true freshman season, he participated in five games—including matchups against San Jose State, Nevada, Stanford, UCLA, and the Holiday Bowl against Louisville—starting one game at left tackle during the Holiday Bowl.
Now a redshirt freshman in 2024, Paige is expected to have a significant impact on the Trojan offensive line as he aims for a breakout season.
The award ceremony will take place at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on March 14, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, alongside other top accolades in college and professional football.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award has honored the best college freshman since its inception in 2018. It is named after Shaun Alexander, a former star at Alabama and the 2005 NFL MVP with the Seattle Seahawks. Notable previous winners include Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) in 2018, Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis) in 2019, Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) in 2020, Brock Bowers (Georgia) in 2021, Drake Maye (North Carolina) in 2022, and Caleb Downs (Alabama) in 2023.
