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Texas Picks Up National Champion Defensive Line Transfer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas Simon | Last updated Jan 29, 2025 12:04 PM ET

The Texas Longhorns have been working the transfer portal to add defensive line depth for next season and have landed a big target from the reigning national champions.

On3 Sports Hayes Fawcett reported on Wednesday that Ohio State transfer defensive lineman Hero Kanu has committed to Texas and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Kanu entered the transfer portal last week following the Buckeyes' College Football Playoff title game victory over Notre Dame and took visits to UT, Florida, and Georgia before making his decision.

Hero's journey to Austin is very unique as he had just two years of playing experience prior to his collegiate career. Growing up as a soccer goalie in Geltendorf, Germany, the now 6-foot-5, 305-pound Hero literally outgrew the sport and pursued American football as a teenager.

He moved to southern California in 2020, where he quickly became a four-star prospect at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. The German-born lineman ended up committing to Ohio State over several top programs including Notre Dame, LSU, Georgia, and Oklahoma.

Hero ended up serving as a rotational piece through his three seasons in Columbus, recording just 14 tackles and a sack through 29 career games. Coincidentally, he recorded his final tackle for OSU in their CFP semifinal victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Given his combination size and agility from his soccer-playing days, it's no surprise that SEC programs like UT, UF, and UGA pursued him out of the transfer portal.

As mentioned before, the Longhorns have aggressively hunted for defensive line depth in the past month given the level of attrition they've experienced since the end of the regular season. Hero joins Travis Shaw and Cole Brevard on the list of linemen transferring to UT for next season, all three of whom having Power Four experience. Time will tell how much of an impact they will make in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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