USC to Restore Starting Lineup for Wisconsin Game

Linemen Elijah Paige and Hayden Treter return to the starting rotation for the upcoming USC football matchup.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Football

USC to Restore Starting Lineup for Wisconsin Game

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USC football prepares for its October 24-25, 2026 game against Wisconsin with the return of key offensive linemen. Elijah Paige is set to reclaim his starting left tackle position, while Hayden Treter returns to left guard.

Why it matters

The return of these starters aims to solidify the offensive front against Wisconsin. Strengthening the protection of the line is critical for the Trojans as they look to improve their offensive consistency for this matchup.

Tight end Mark Bowman has recorded 21 catches for 204 yards and two scores this season. He enters the game against Wisconsin ranked as the 32nd overall national prospect and the 4th ranked tight end in the country.

The players

Elijah Paige

He is an offensive tackle for USC who is returning to the starting lineup after a temporary absence.

Hayden Treter

He is a USC offensive lineman who is set to return to the starting left guard spot after missing two games due to injury.

Mark Bowman

He is a standout tight end for USC who has started five games this season and is currently listed as questionable on the injury report.

Vlad Dyakonov

He is an offensive lineman for USC who earned his first career start in place of Elijah Paige during the recent game against Penn State.

The details

Elijah Paige returns after missing time against Penn State, where Vlad Dyakonov stepped in for his first career start. Meanwhile, Hayden Treter rejoins the lineup after exiting the Oregon game four weeks ago with an injury.

Hayden Treter exited the Oregon game four weeks ago.
The USC football game against Wisconsin is scheduled for October 24-25, 2026.

The Big Picture

The rotation adjustments made by the coaching staff follow the established transparency protocols mandated by the NCAA Division I football injury report standards. This return to the starting lineup reflects a strategic alignment with these institutional guidelines for managing player availability.

The return of Paige and Treter provides a boost to the USC offensive line's stability heading into the Wisconsin game. Fantasy owners should monitor the status of Mark Bowman, who remains questionable with 204 receiving yards on the season.

The takeaway

Maintaining roster depth remains crucial for college programs managing mid-season injury attrition. Teams that successfully integrate returning starters into the line often see improved performance in both pass protection and the run game.