Wisconsin loses top class of 2026 running back target to a Big Ten rival

Wisconsin top class of 2026 running back target Shahn Alston committed to USC on Saturday.

The four-star recruit chose the Trojans over other finalists Wisconsin and Penn State. He announced his commitment during NBC’s live coverage of the Navy All-American Bowl.

Related: These seven seniors are reportedly set to return to Wisconsin football in 2025

247Sports currently ranks the top running back as the No. 118 overall player in the class of 2026, the No. 7 player at his position and the No. 5 recruit from his home state of Ohio.

He commits to a USC program that finished the 2024 season at 7-6 after a bowl win over Texas A&M. The Trojans defeated both of his other finalists during the campaign — an early-season 38-21 win over the Badgers, then a 33-30 overtime thriller over Penn State.

While the Trojans’ season-long body of work fell far below their College Football Playoff-level expectations, head coach Lincoln Riley continues to have no trouble compiling top-ranked recruiting classes. USC finished the 2025 cycle with the nation’s No. 13-ranked recruiting class. Its class of 2026 is currently sits No. 4 nationally with eight players committed.

BREAKING: Four-Star RB Shahn Alston (2026) has Committed to USC, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 5’11 205 RB from Painesville, OH chose the Trojans over Penn State & Wisconsin

“Trojan Nation I’m home, Fight On✌️”https://t.co/8klKRPxZCfpic.twitter.com/TT3E8r2hVx

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 11, 2025

Wisconsin is well-stocked at running back entering the 2025 season. Sophomore Darrion Dupree and veteran Cade Yacamelli project to lead the room, with redshirt freshmen Dilin Jones and Gideon Ituka set for increased roles.

The Badgers could play against Alston in the not-too-distant future. They host the Trojans in 2026, then visit them in 2027. That pattern will likely repeat into 2029 and 2030.

Wisconsin’s class of 2026 currently ranks No. 36 in the nation at this early stage in the cycle with just two players committed.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-loses-top-class-2026-191113351.html

Author : Badgers Wire

Publish date : 2025-01-11 19:11:00

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