Who is Tanook Hines? All we know about 4-star WR who committed to USC

Tanook Hines, a coveted four-star wide receiver from Dekaney High School in Houston, Texas, has committed to the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans for the 2025 season. This highly sought-after talent selected USC over notable programs such as Texas, Notre Dame and Arizona State, bolstering the Trojans' recruiting class, which now ranks in the top 20 nationally.

Hines, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound receiver, has been a prospect of USC since they extended an offer in December 2023. He announced his decision on July 15, 2024. The decision followed official visits to each of his top choices in June. In the end, head coach Lincoln Riley was successful in getting the athlete's commitment.

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Hines is the No. 329 overall prospect in the 2025 class. He is also ranked as the No. 52 wide receiver nationally and the No. 51 recruit in Texas.

Last season, Hines recorded 35 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns in just six games, as reported by MaxPreps. He first made a name for himself as a sophomore in 2022, amassing 783 yards and seven touchdowns on 47 catches. Despite being limited to seven games in his junior year, he still managed 28 receptions for 375 yards and four touchdowns.

In addition to his football prowess, Tanook Hines is an accomplished track athlete. He finished second in the 200 meters at the Texas 6A state championships with a time of 20.71 seconds. He also boasts a personal best of 10.45 seconds in the 100 meters. Rivals analyst Marshall Levenson noted Hines' exceptional speed:

"USC is adding a big speed element to its wide receiver room with the addition of Tanook Hines. Using his speed, Hines is a legitimate deep threat."

Hines' commitment is a significant win for USC as he joins fellow four-star Rivals100 WR Corey Simms from St. Louis, Missouri and three-star WR Romero Ison in USC's 2025 class.

USC's 2025 class bolstered by 4-star WR Tanook Hines

With nearly 30 offers from prestigious programs including Texas, Alabama, Michigan and Penn State, Hines chose USC, enhancing their recruiting class. USC's wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons and head coach Lincoln Riley played pivotal roles in Hines' decision.

"Seeing their receivers room, their coaches and their receivers," Hines told 247Sports. "Seeing how they play there, how they're a family and have a great education for business, I think it's a good spot. They showed me how they would use me in their playbook and I can see how they throw the ball."

Tanook Hines is excited about the possibility of early playing time but knows he must work hard.

"I've just got to come in ready to work though," he said. "Really, I know I have to keep getting better and keep producing."

Ranked as the No. 35 wide receiver nationally and the No. 42 rising senior prospect in Texas by 247Sports, Tanook Hines is a four-star recruit on two major recruiting sites. The 247Sports Composite also rates him as a four-star prospect. Hines joins USC's 2025 class alongside notable recruits such as Julian “JuJu” Lewis, Matai Tagoa’i, Romero Ison and Corey Simms.