Lincoln Riley's USC lands commitment of four-star RB to the Class of 2026

Four-star running back Shahn Alston committed to USC's 2026 class during the Navy All-American Game in San Antonio on Saturday. He made his decision following a visit to Los Angeles on Nov. 16, where he attended the Trojans’ 28-20 victory over Nebraska.

“I love the campus," Alston told On3. "I love where it’s at. It’s so close to the city, but it’s not in the city… Also, the tradition is great there. You can’t imagine USC without its tradition. They’re on the right path to getting back to it and I hope to be a puzzle piece in the end result.”

The standout prospect from Harvey High School (Ohio) chose USC over Penn State and Wisconsin. With his commitment, USC's 2026 class is up to eight committed players, and the prospect is determined to turn into a recruiter for the Trojans this cycle.

"I want to be able to help recruit a class," Alston told ESPN. "I want to be a guy that's been in the class a long time, so I'm familiar with it all."

USC's 2026 class ranks No. 2 in the nation, and the Trojans' recruiting momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as the school is also in contention for Ryder Lyons, the No. 3 quarterback in the class. A commitment from Lyons could elevate USC’s class to the No. 1 spot.

Shahn Alston raves about Lincoln Riley's offensive scheme at USC

During Shahn Alston's visit to USC in November, he spent the majority of his time with his future position coach, Anthony Jones Jr. He also had a chit-chat with Lincoln Riley and left impressed with his offensive scheme, particularly its balanced approach.

“There is not too much air-raid passing, but also it’s not too heavy on the run," Alston told On3. "I feel like it’s a good balance. He loves to incorporate running backs out of the backfield, which is a role I feel like I could thrive in. They run a lot of counter and duo plays, which I feel like I could succeed at."

As a junior, Alston tallied 1,104 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 131 carries. Over his high school career, he has accumulated more than 2,800 yards and 46 touchdowns.

Shahn Alston is the No. 5 prospect in Ohio, the No. 13 running back in the 2026 class and the No. 136 prospect in the nation.