USC checked everything with four-star RB Shahn Alston

One of the best running backs in the Midwest for the class of 2026 is headed West. Shahn Alston will be a USC Trojan. Four-star Painesville (Ohio) Harvey had the top three Wisconsin, USC and Penn State. The back made his announcement during the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

Alston spoke with Rivals before the announcement to discuss why the Trojans were the choice for him.

“USC checked all the boxes,” Alston said.

“From the academics, the development, to the relationships I’ve made. I’ve really been at USC since the summer, and really my last visit there sealed the deal.”

Alston visited USC back in November and that visit was a turning point in his recruitment. The combination of success on the field and life outside of football was a difficult combination for the Ohio native to miss.

“Everybody knows the tradition of USC football,” Alston said. But one of my favorite things about school are the opportunities outside of football. Whether it’s business opportunities, networking, etc., USC offers a number of things that will ultimately set me up for life after football.”

It’s Alston the eighth known commitment of the class of 2026 for Coach Lincoln Riley. The class is off to a great start and sits in the top three of the Rivals Team recruiting rankings following Alston’s pledge. He is just the second offensive lineman to join the class along with four-star California wide receiver Ja’Myron Baker.

Alston had a great junior season with 1,104 yards on just 132 carries and 16 touchdowns in eight games. It’s another solid pickup in the Midwest as the team gets used to the Big Ten. The Trojans already have a verbal commitment from Chicago four-star defensive end Braeden Jones. If the Trojans are going to have long-term success in the conference, they will need to continue to draw talent from the traditional footprint of the Big Ten.