Taking a look at USC’s 2025 Tight End board
USC’s tight ends coach Zach Hanson has found some serious success on the recruiting trail in back-to-back recruiting classes. He reeled in three signees in the 2023 class, two of which were blue-chip prospects including the No. 1 prospect in Duce Robinson. In the 2024 class, he has backed it up with landing two four-star prospects, both ranked in the top-15 at the position.
Taking a look at the 2025 class, it is looking like the Trojans are taking a similar approach to the 2024 cycle. Hanson and Lincoln Riley have only offered five prospects in the current cycle and are currently sitting on only four offers extended in 2025. It remains likely they will add to list over the next year, but we can assume these current offers are their top choices as of now. All four remain uncommitted.
Let’s take a look at the board right now for USC.
Ethan Barbour, Alpharetta (Ga.) 4-Star
Barbour ranks as the No. 173 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 6 tight end and the No. 21 player in the state of Georgia.
Barbour recently included USC in a top-8 group despite not yet getting to visit campus. He explained to On3 why each of his schools made the list and it goes to show Hanson and Riley are able to create strong relationships even with no in person recruiting yet.
“The big thing for me is relationships,” Barbour said. “There are a lot of great programs out there, but ultimately I want to go to a place that values my skill set and feels like home…So far, based on my visits, interactions with the coaching staff, and how they utilize their tight ends, I feel like these are all good fits for me and who I have great relationships with.”
Emaree Winston, Calhoun (Ga.) 4-Star
Winston ranks as the No. 201 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 8 tight end and the No. 25 player in the state of Georgia.
“Emaree Winston will look a lot different than he did physically in 2022,” On3’s Jeremy Johnson wrote.
“He’s added about 30 pounds in the offseason. He play(s) all over the field for Calhoun in 2022. Winston already has some major Power Five offers and more could be on the way as he develops physically and his role expands in 2022.”
Ohio State looks to be a big factor for Winston at this time. Winston visited USC in June, which is when he received his offer. He spent time with both Riley and Hanson, which could prove valuable if USC presses to become a true contender in his recruitment.
Jack VanDorselaer, Southlake (Tex.) Carroll 4-Star
VanDorselaer is ranked as the No. 243 overall prospect and No. 12 tight end in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is the No. 42 prospect in Texas.
VanDoreselaer told me previously that his relationship with tight ends coach Zach Hanson has started off strong.
While on his visit in June, the two will be able to connect and really grow their relationship to the next level.
Just a few weeks ago, VanDorselaer released a top-9 group which USC was featured in.
Bear Tenney, Lucas (Tex.) Lovejoy 3-Star
Tenney is ranked as the No. 415 overall prospect and No. 12 tight end in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is the No. 42 prospect in Texas.
Tenny picked up his offer from USC back in January, so he has been on the board for a decent amount of time.
He has not yet visited USC but there is clearly a significant level of interest taking a look at Tenney’s socials.
In the first 11 days of August, Tenney has made three separate Twitter posts highlighting the recruiting efforts of USC. It is clear that USC thinks highly of Tenney at this time.
The post Taking a look at USC’s 2025 Tight End board appeared first on On3.
