Alston to Announce Commitment on November 8
Four-star linebacker Skylar Alston will reveal his college choice from six finalists, including Tennessee, next Sunday.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Secondary Education
Skylar Alston, a four-star linebacker in the 2028 recruiting class, will announce his college commitment on November 8, 2026. He has narrowed his choices to six schools: North Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, and UCLA.
Why it matters
Alston's decision will shape the defensive recruiting landscape for the 2028 class at several programs competing for him. For Tennessee, a commitment would add a highly rated prospect and mark its first defensive commitment in that class.
Alston recorded 145 tackles, six sacks, and 45 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2025, along with 10 pass breakups and three forced fumbles. His final choice among six finalists remains unknown until the announcement.
The players
Skylar Alston
Skylar Alston is a four-star linebacker from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, ranked in the 2028 recruiting class.
Chad Simmons
Chad Simmons is a recruiting reporter for Rivals who reported Alston's commitment announcement.
The details
Alston, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, has narrowed his choices to North Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, and UCLA. Tennessee offered him a scholarship in May 2025 and hosted him at its Big Orange BBQ recruiting event in Knoxville in May 2026.
Timeline
May 2025: Tennessee offered Alston a scholarship.
2025 season: Alston recorded 145 tackles and six sacks as a sophomore.
May 2026: Alston visited Knoxville for the Big Orange BBQ event.
November 8, 2026: Alston announces his college commitment.
Season Trajectory
Alston's decision carries weight in the 2028 recruiting cycle, where programs compete for top defensive prospects. His choice will indicate how the six finalist programs are positioned for defensive talent in that class.
For families tracking high school recruiting, Alston's announcement will show which of six finalist programs he selects and when. Readers following the 2028 class can use the November 8 date to plan around the decision.
The takeaway
High school recruits often announce commitments on a scheduled date after a visit or offer period, so tracking announced dates helps families and fans follow the process. Alston's November 8 announcement is a clear marker for the 2028 class.
What happens next
Alston will announce his college commitment on Sunday, November 8, 2026, which will reveal whether he chooses Tennessee or another finalist.
Further reading
Explore more on Secondary Education for context on high school recruiting pathways.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
