Houston added South Jones High School power forward Triston Hawthorne to its 2027 recruiting class on Sept. 17. The Cougars now have four four-star prospects in the group, and 247Sports lists all four among the nation's top 100 players. The site currently ranks Houston's class No. 1 nationally.
Hawthorne is from Ellisville, Mississippi, and stands 6 feet 7 inches while weighing 190 pounds. 247Sports identifies him as Mississippi's top player. The 247Sports Composite ranks him No. 15 among power forwards and No. 80 overall in the 2027 class.
Houston was one of three Power Four programs that offered him, alongside Ole Miss and Mississippi State. He visited Houston on Aug. 20, followed by visits to LSU on Sept. 5 and Harvard on Sept. 8.
The report describes Hawthorne as a player who can help near the basket on offense and defense. He averaged 10.8 rebounds, including 4.0 on the offensive glass, and 4.3 blocks per game. His 7-foot-2 wingspan and athleticism add to his rebounding and defensive abilities.
Offensively, he remains less developed but has produced around the rim and from the dunker’s spot. Most of his attempts come in the paint, and he makes about 60% of his free throws. He joins center Derek Daniels and guards Oneal Delancy and Darrell Davis in Houston's 2027 class.