Wisconsin top class of 2026 running back target Shahn Alston included the Badgers in his list of final schools on Friday.
Alston becomes the fourth top-ranked class of 2026 recruit to include Wisconsin in his final batch of schools over the past month, joining four-star linebacker Tristan Phillips, four-star iOL Ben Nichols and three-star iOL Bear McWhorter.
Alston, who received his offer from UW on March 22, included Wisconsin as a finalist along with Auburn, Nebraska, Michigan State, Florida, Missouri, Penn State and USC. Alston took a visit to Madison when the Badgers squared off against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Sept. 14.
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, regards Alston as the No. 81 overall recruit and No. 3 player from Ohio for his class.
Ohio RB Shahn Alston (@shahnalston3) has dropped his top 8. He spoke with @Rivals on why each school made the cut:https://t.co/dRlJSHJYXK pic.twitter.com/cEkDcdj54B
— Greg Smith (@GregSmithRivals) November 22, 2024
There appears to be no clear-cut favorite for Alston at this point in his process. On3’s recruiting prediction machine pegs Penn State as the most likely destination, but the Nittany Lions currently hold under a 25% chance to secure a commitment.
At Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio, Alston has played on both sides of the ball. This past season, he logged 1,104 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns with his longest rush being 75 yards, per MaxPreps.
UW’s current class of 2026 features two commitments — three-star iOL Benjamin Novak and three-star quarterback Jarin Mock. If he elects to join the Badgers, Alston would immediately become the program’s most elite prospect in the class.