In a major move for the Texas Longhorns, former Ohio State defensive tackle Hero Kanu has announced his commitment to Texas, adding significant strength to their defensive line. Kanu, who had previously attracted interest from top programs like Georgia and Florida, ultimately chose to continue his college football career with the Longhorns.
A Game-Changing Addition to Texas Defensive Line
The decision came after Kanu made visits to all three programs, and his brief but meaningful stay in Austin solidified his choice. During his visit, he had productive conversations with head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive line coach Kenny Baker. Kanu shared his thoughts with Horns247, noting the positive interaction with Coach Sark. Man, it was cool. It was only a limited time, so it was only like a conversation, Kanu said, reflecting on the talks about his future with the team.
From Germany to College Football Stardom
Kanu’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. Originally from Germany, he only started playing football in 2021 but quickly made a name for himself. Kanu, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound defensive lineman, played high school football at Santa Margarita Catholic in California, where his talents earned him a four-star ranking in the 2022 recruiting class. He was ranked No. 121 overall in the class, holding offers from powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M, before ultimately committing to Ohio State.
Impressive Stats and Future Potential
While Kanu’ s stats from his two seasons at Ohio State may not jump off the page ”recording 14 total tackles and one sack in 29 games “he showed flashes of brilliance, especially in limited action. Notably, he made contributions in the College Football Playoff, recording tackles against both Oregon and Texas, showcasing his potential to be a difference-maker in the future.
At Texas, Kanu will have the opportunity to develop further and make an even bigger impact. The Longhorns have been actively bolstering their defensive line following the departures of key players such as Vernon Broughton, Alfred Collins, Jermaine Lole, and Bill Norton. Kanu addition comes alongside fellow transfer defensive tackles Travis Shaw (North Carolina) and Cole Brevard (Purdue), forming a formidable new front for the Longhorns.
Reunion with Ohio State in 2025
The timing of Kanu’s transfer adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. In what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup, Texas will face off against Ohio State in the 2025 season opener in Columbus. This sets up an immediate and dramatic reunion between Kanu and his former team, creating an interesting storyline for fans of both programs.
Texas Recruiting and Transfer Portal Success
Texas has made waves not just in the transfer portal but also in recruiting. In addition to Kanu, the Longhorns secured a commitment from Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Justus Terry, one of the top prospects in the 2025 class. With both experienced transfers like Kanu and top-tier incoming talent, Texas is positioning itself to continue to dominate in the trenches.
A Bright Future for Hero Kanu
Hero Kanu’s move to Texas marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his college football career. His size, athleticism, and untapped potential give the Longhorns a valuable asset for their defensive line. If Kanu can develop under the guidance of Texas coaching staff, he could become a key contributor to their efforts in securing another College Football Playoff berth in the near future.
With the addition of Kanu, Texas has significantly strengthened its defensive front, and fans are eager to see how he will impact the team’s success in the 2025 season and beyond.
