The Texas Longhorns have bolstered their defensive line by securing a commitment from former Ohio State defensive tackle Hero Kanu. The 6’5, 305-pound lineman, who has two years of eligibility remaining, made the decision after visiting Texas over the weekend, following trips to Florida and Texas A&M.
Kanu, a consensus four-star recruit in the 2022 class, was highly sought after, with more than 25 schools offering him a spot. Despite limited playing time at Ohio State, Kanu demonstrated flashes of his potential, including a sack as a redshirt freshman and a solid showing during Ohio State’s national championship run. His growth at Texas, under the guidance of defensive line coach Kenny Baker, will be closely monitored.
While Kanu’s production at Ohio State was minimal, with just 123 snaps and four tackles during the 2024 season, his physical tools and experience in a high-level program make him a promising prospect for the Longhorns. He is expected to compete for a rotation spot alongside fellow transfer defensive tackles Cole Brevard (Purdue) and Travis Shaw (North Carolina), with rising sophomore Alex January and highly ranked recruit Justus Terry also in the mix. Texas aims to strengthen its interior defensive line as it heads into the 2025 season, and Kanu’s addition fills a critical need for depth.
Though Kanu faced stiff competition at Ohio State, his move to Texas offers him the opportunity to grow into a more significant role. If he can develop further, he could play a key part in Texas defense in the coming seasons.
