Huge news for Texas football as star defender likely back for 2026 season

Longhorn Nation received some great news recently as it's being reported that DT Hero Kanu is expected to return to Texas in 2026. Though it was always been a possibility, Kanu was getting tons of NFL love lately.

The talented defensive tackle transferred to Texas from Ohio State in 2025, and he became an instant contributor on the interior of former DC Pete Kwiatkowski's defense. His above-average athleticism at the position has allowed him to catch offensive linemen by surprise, especially as a pass rusher.

At close to 6'5" and 300 lbs., he has excellent size to go with this overall motor. Not many other interior defensive linemen in the SEC have the ability to play as many snaps as Kanu can on a consistent basis. He led the Longhorns' defensive line room in snaps as well in 2025, and it's possible that he could do it again for new DC Will Muschamp in 2026.

Muschamp utilizes his defensive tackles a little bit differently than Pete Kwiatkowski does, and there's even a chance that Kanu is a better fit for Muschamp's defense as well. Kwiatkowski liked to use his smaller, 3-technique-type defensive tackles at nose, which limited what Kanu could do last season. He should be able to thrive in Muschamp's defense if he plays in a more traditional "over" front as a 3-technique. Kanu has the type of lateral quickness and hand-fighting skills that it takes to be effective on the strongside of run formations despite lacking the traditional girth in his lower body.

Not only will his return help Texas' defense in 2026, but it'll also help himself regarding his NFL prospects. Playing in Muschamp's NFL-style defensive scheme will help showcase his ability to operate in something more translatable to the professional level.

Nevertheless, Kanu returning to Austin next season is incredibly exciting news for both the team and fanbase alike.