Wisconsin top class of 2026 target running back Shahn Alston will announce his collegiate commitment on Jan. 11. That commitment will arrive during the Navy All-American Bowl.
On Nov. 22, Alston listed Wisconsin, Auburn, Nebraska, Michigan State, Florida, Missouri, Penn State and USC as his final eight landing spots. Now on Jan 3., the four-star recruit whittled the list down to just Wisconsin, Penn State and USC, per On3’s Chad Simmons.
The 5-foot-9, 205-pound running back is 247Sports’ No. 118 player in the class of 2026, No. 7 running back and No. 5 player from his home state of Ohio. ESPN, meanwhile, has him as the No. 81 overall recruit in the ESPN 100 list and the No. 3 player from Ohio for the 2026 cohort.
While Wisconsin’s inclusion in Alston’s final three landing spots is substantial, several recruiting outlets project the Ohio product to land with the University of Southern California. On3’s recruiting prediction machine lists the West Coast program as an overwhelming favorite at 94.7% and 247Sports’ Allen Trieu recently released a Crystal Ball projecting the Trojans to secure a commitment.
2026 4-Star RB Shahn Alston will announce his commitment at the @AABonNBC in San Antonio on Jan. 11 and he will commit to Penn State, USC or Wisconsin.
Alston gives the latest: https://t.co/LwPRgwlqjE (On3+) pic.twitter.com/FANAx41b97
— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) January 3, 2025
UW’s current running back room took a hit this offseason with the departure of starting back Tawee Walker to the transfer portal. Darrion Dupree and Cade Yacamelli will likely take the reins, but top-end depth at the position is always needed moving forward.
Alston is undeniably one of the more talented players to strongly consider the Badgers. As a junior at Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio, Alston logged 1,104 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, per MaxPreps.
UW’s current class of 2026 features two commitments — three-star iOL Benjamin Novak and three-star quarterback Jarin Mock.