Texas defensive lineman Hero Kanu earned national recognition for his leadership and community service this week when it was announced that he’s one of 20 semifinalists for the 2026 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. The award recognizes FBS players who demonstrate beyond their athletic skillset by displaying traits of courage, integrity, and sportsmanship when they find themselves off the field as well.l

Kanu, a fifth-year player who transferred to Texas from Ohio State last spring, has made an impact through his work with young athletes. Over the past two years, he has hosted eight free football camps in Germany and France, where he taught young people the game while also emphasizing discipline and dedication in their practice of it and otherwise. He has also donated more than 100 pairs of shoes to children in need and sponsored two aspiring student-athletes from Germany and Nigeria to attend college football camps in the United States.

Kanu is Texas’ third consecutive semifinalist. Most recently, Michael Taaffe was named a semifialist for the Witten Award in 2025. As did Jake Majors in 2024. Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger won it in 2021.

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