The Texas Longhorns have bolstered their defensive line with the addition of former Ohio State defensive tackle Hero Kanu, who announced his commitment to Texas on Wednesday. Kanu, a highly sought-after transfer, chose the Longhorns over Georgia and Florida after visiting all three schools.
Kanu’s decision came after a brief yet impactful visit to Austin, where he had discussions with head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive line coach Kenny Baker. “It was cool. It was only a limited time, so it was more of a conversation,” Kanu shared with Horns247. “I had a good talk with Coach Sark about the future.”
Originally from Germany, Kanu didn’t start playing football until 2021 but quickly rose to prominence as one of the top recruits in the 2022 class. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound lineman played high school football at Santa Margarita Catholic in California, earning a four-star ranking. He was the No. 121 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, receiving offers from elite programs like Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M before ultimately committing to Ohio State.
During his two seasons at Ohio State, Kanu appeared in 29 games, recording 14 total tackles and one sack. Though his stats may not be eye-catching, he showed potential in limited playing time, especially in the College Football Playoff, where he made tackles against Oregon and Texas. He now aims to make a bigger impact in Austin.
Texas has been actively strengthening its defensive line through the transfer portal, following the departure of key players like Vernon Broughton, Alfred Collins, Jermaine Lole, and Bill Norton. Kanu joins a growing group of transfer defensive tackles, including Travis Shaw (North Carolina) and Cole Brevard (Purdue).
Kanu’s transfer also adds intrigue to the upcoming season, as Texas will face Ohio State in a high-profile season opener in 2025, setting the stage for an immediate reunion with his former team. Along with transfers, Texas has also made a splash in recruiting, securing a commitment from five-star defensive lineman Justus Terry in the 2025 class. With a mix of experienced transfers and elite young talent, the Longhorns are positioning themselves for continued dominance in the trenches, with Kanu bringing size, athleticism, and untapped potential to their defense. If he develops under Texas’ coaching staff, he could be a key contributor in their pursuit of another College Football Playoff appearance.
