2026 4-star RB Shahn Alston commits to USC: ‘They made me feel like a priority’

Painesville (Ohio) Harvey four-star running back Shahn Alston visited USC on Nov. 16 for the Trojans’ 28-20 win over Nebraska. It marked his first visit to the Big Ten program. 

Alston left Los Angeles very impressed with USC and following his trip, he continued to feel great about the Trojans. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound tailback told head coach Lincoln Riley around a month later that he was committing to USC and publicly revealed his decision on Saturday. 

“Visits gave me a big layout of what each school had to offer and I’d say USC was by far the best visit I’ve been on,” Alston told On3. “This was not only because it was the longest, but it was the most in-depth visit I had and as personal as it could be. I really felt like they made me feel like a priority… USC left their mark with that. 

“They highlighted the big things I was looking for. They took me to business classes and explained to me that they have one of the top business schools in America. In the meetings, they told me that I’ll be in classes with future CEOs and business owners every single day. They made it more personal. In some of the meetings I had with coaches, they put on my film and asked questions about my family. The visit definitely helped me make my decision.” 

Alston likes what USC offers on and off the field

Alston chose USC over Penn State and Wisconsin at the Navy All-American Bowl. His goal is to play in the NFL, but Alston also cares greatly about a school’s education and the network it can provide for life after football. 

Those are key reasons why he committed to the Trojans, as USC offered Alston “the biggest opportunities” for his goals on and off the field. The No. 133 overall prospect in the 2026 On300 is looking forward to wearing the cardinal-and-gold for one of the most tradition-rich programs in college football. 

“I love Lincoln Riley’s offensive scheme,” said Alston, also the No. 13 running back and the No. 5 player in Ohio in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking. “There is not too much Air raid passing, but also it’s not too heavy on the run. 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. 

“I love the campus. I love where it’s at. It’s so close to the city, but it’s not in the city. I feel like you can get involved in a lot of stuff there, whether it’s networking or things for your personal life… 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.” 

Alston is confident about the future at USC

When Alston met with Riley on his visit, he almost pledged to the Trojans. Despite leaving USC’s campus uncommitted, the four-star “pretty much knew” he would end up choosing the program. 

After waiting roughly four weeks and talking with his family, Alston made it official. Along with Riley, he told running backs coach Anthony Jones Jr. the good news over FaceTime. 

“They were excited,” Alston said. “They said they were looking forward to continuing their relationships with me. The staff stressed that they wanted me to start recruiting guys and help bring guys in. I also contacted Brandon Lockhart. I’m looking forward to building relationships with guys in the class.” 

USC finished its 2024 season on a high note with a 35-31 come-from-behind victory over Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl. Alston watched the Trojans’ win and believes the future is bright in Los Angeles. 

“They’re right there,” Alston said. “It’ll take another year or two to get there. When they do, I feel like they’ll be in the conversation with the Ohio State’s, Georgia’s and Oregon’s of the world.”