Wisconsin is competing to sign one of the top high school running backs in the 2026 class, Shahn Alston, who will announce his commitment on January 11 during the All-American Bowl in San Antonio. He has narrowed his choices to three schools: Wisconsin, USC, and Penn State.
Alston, a 4-star running back from Painesville, Ohio, has received numerous offers nationwide, with many predicting he will choose the Trojans. However, Wisconsin’s coach Luke Fickell and his staff are still in the hunt, aiming to secure a player of Alston’s talent for their 2026 class. Devon Spalding from the Wisconsin coaching staff is leading the recruitment efforts.
24/7 Sports currently indicates a strong lean towards USC for Alston’s commitment, according to a prediction by Allen Trieu. Wisconsin has already secured two commitments for the 2026 class from 3-star quarterback Jarin Mock and 3-star lineman Benjamin Novak, both rated by 24/7 Sports. Signing Alston would mark the addition of the first 4-star player to Wisconsin’s class and enhance their running game, which aligns with their style of play. If Fickell can successfully recruit him away from USC, it would be a significant win for the program.
There are other running backs on Wisconsin’s radar in the 2026 class, so they still have options if Alston chooses USC or Penn State. However, landing Alston would provide a substantial boost for a program looking to silence critics in the upcoming years, as Fickell’s contract demands proven success on the field.
