USC’s backfield picture is starting to come into focus, and freshman running back Shahn Alston is right in the middle of it.
The Ohio native arrived in January after a recruiting rise that took off during a November 2024 visit to Los Angeles. Alston was on campus for USC’s win over Nebraska, and that trip quickly pushed the Trojans to the top of his list.
He built a strong connection with the staff soon after, then announced his commitment at the Navy All-American Bowl in January. Rivals ranked him as the No. 8 running back in the 2026 class.
Now the question is simple: can Alston help USC hold down the depth chart in 2026?
That matters because the Trojans have already felt how fragile running back depth can be. They bring back their top two rushers, Waymond Jordan and King Miller, but three other backs entered the transfer portal.
USC also saw last season how quickly things can change when injuries pile up. Miller began the year as the fourth-string tailback before being pushed into action in early October because of injuries ahead of him.
Alston has wasted little time making his presence felt. He stood out in winter workouts, especially in the weight room, where running backs coach Anthony Jones noticed just how much the freshman enjoys the grind.
“Shahn Alston is a really thick kid. For some strange reason, he just loves to lift weights," said running backs coach Anthony Jones in February.
"I don’t know if he gets that from his dad or his high school program. He’s one of the few guys who really loves to go down there with coach Trumain [Carroll] in the weight room and just train and work hard and get as strong as he can.”
At 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds, Alston brings a downhill style that fits the job description. He runs with power inside and has enough burst at the next two levels to turn a solid carry into a bigger gain. This spring, he also got extra work because Jordan was recovering from an ankle injury and fellow four-star freshman Deshonne Redeaux missed time as well.
Jones said in April that both freshmen have handled the transition like veterans.
“Deshonne and Shahn Alston are two freshmen, yes, they were highly recruited, yes, they were really good high school players, but they are very mature for their age,” Jones said in April. “They came in like they were second to third year guys in the program.
They're very active in meetings. They pay attention a lot and ask the right questions, and they lean on the older guys for information.
“They really embrace the role of being a freshman, being a new guy, and really just being a sponge. They want to soak up as much knowledge as they can. They want to be coached and to be the best version of themselves.”
USC’s rushing attack has the look of a strength, especially with all five starters back on the offensive line, key reserves returning, and a strong freshman group added up front. Even so, the competition behind Jordan and Miller is still open.
Alston, Redeaux and redshirt freshman Riley Wormley will keep battling in fall camp for the No. 3 spot.
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Lotts senior season only sharpened that legacy, as he finished by leading the country in interceptions and capped his USC career with a reputation for making game-changing plays. His college success was just the start of a career that carried into Canton-worthy territory with the San Francisco 49ers, but this latest nod is a reminder of how much of his legend was forged in cardinal and gold. [Read more 🡒]