Ohio State defensive lineman Hero Kanu commits to Texas

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, former Ohio State defensive lineman Hero Kanu has committed to play for the Texas Longhorns. Fresh off a national championship, Kanu decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal. A few big-time programs were interested in his services but Kanu will play for Steve Sarkisian in Austin.

Kanu played a rotational role during Ohio State’s run to a title, participating in all 15 games. However, the numbers do not pop off the stat sheet. He recorded just four tackles but two of them did come during the College Football Playoff — one against Oregon and another vs. his future team, Texas.

Going back to the 2022 season, there are 14 total tackles for Kanu in 29 games played. His lone tackle for a loss and sack came in 2023, occurring vs. Indiana in the season opener. Texas is certainly hoping for a little more contribution moving forward.

Funny enough, there will be a quick reunion for Kanu. Texas’ first game of the 2025 season will be up to Columbus to play Ohio State. It projects to be one of the more anticipated games of the year — potentially being between the preseason No. 1 and No. 2 teams.

Not too long ago, Kanu would have been wearing scarlet. Instead, he will be in a white Texas uniform, going face-to-face with some of his former teammates.

Kanu played high school football at Rancho Santa Margarita (CA) Santa Margarita Catholic, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 121 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

More on Texas defensive line outlook heading into 2025 season

This is the second consecutive offseason Sarkisian is having to reload his defensive line through the transfer portal. Multiple guys are once again off to the NFL after having stellar seasons. Vernon Broughton and Alfred Collins are the biggest names but Jermaine Lole and Bill Norton were quality backups throughout the year.

Kanu is now the third guy Texas has taken at the position this offseason. He joined North Carolina‘s Travis Shaw and Cole Brevard via Purdue. Some homegrown players are expected to contribute too, mainly third-year player Alex January.

A big recruiting get during the 2025 cycle was Five-Star Plus+ DL Justus Terry out of Manchester (GA). Texas won out over the in-state Georgia Bulldogs.

A youngster contributing on the interior would be a massive boost on the 40 Acres.