Four-Star Linebacker Skylar Alston Commits to South Carolina
The Raleigh linebacker in the Class of 2028 chose the Gamecocks after narrowing his list to six schools.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Football
Four-star linebacker Skylar Alston announced his commitment to South Carolina football on Sunday evening. He is the third 2028 pledge for the Gamecocks, who became bowl-eligible with a win over Texas A&M.
Why it matters
The commitment adds a highly rated defender to South Carolina's future recruiting class. It also comes as the program reaches bowl eligibility, a milestone that can strengthen its appeal to prospects.
Alston is 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, with 96 tackles, five sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 10 games as a junior at Cardinal Gibbons High. His six-school final list included Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee and UCLA.
The players
Skylar Alston
A four-star linebacker from Raleigh in the Class of 2028, known for his tackling production as a junior.
South Carolina Gamecocks
The University of South Carolina's football program, which competes in the Southeastern Conference and recently became bowl-eligible.
The details
Alston, a Raleigh native, announced his choice on Sunday evening after narrowing his list to South Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee and UCLA. His high school, Cardinal Gibbons, begins its playoff run on Friday.
Timeline
Sunday evening: Alston announces his commitment to South Carolina.
Friday: Cardinal Gibbons High begins its playoff run.
Recruiting Trajectory
Alston's pledge is the third for South Carolina's Class of 2028, extending an early push for the group. The commitment comes as the program's bowl eligibility gives it momentum in recruiting for future classes.
For fantasy and recruiting followers, Alston's commitment places a 2028 linebacker in South Carolina's pipeline, which affects long-range depth charts. His junior production, including 17 tackles for loss, shows the type of disruptive play the Gamecocks are targeting.
The takeaway
Early commitments like Alston's help programs shape their future rosters before signing day. Readers following South Carolina should track how the 2028 class grows as more prospects decide.
What happens next
Cardinal Gibbons High begins its playoff run on Friday, the next scheduled event tied to Alston's season.
Further reading
Follow more college recruiting and roster news in South Carolina Football.
