While Longhorns star Hero Kanu has made headlines for his play, he is also getting attention for his impact off the field. On Wednesday, the Texas native was named one of the 20 semifinalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. Each year, the award goes to the player who shows great leadership, courage, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field.
This marks the third straight season Texas has had a semifinalist. Last season, Michael Taaffe was selected as a semifinalist, while former UT center Jake Majors was tabbed a semifinalist in 2024. Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger took home the honor in 2021.
Impact beyond the field🤘 pic.twitter.com/067XcEe9ep
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 21, 2026
When Kanu isn't on the football field, he helps those in need.
Over the past two years, he has hosted eight free football camps in Germany and France that teach everyone from six-year-olds to young adults how to play football. The camps go beyond the game, teaching attendees the discipline, dedication, and work ethic needed to succeed as student-athletes. However, his work with the community doesn't stop there.
The Longhorns defensive lineman has donated more than 100 pairs of shoes to local children in need and participated in promotional efforts to raise awareness of the charitable initiative. He has also volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of Austin and served as a celebrity waiter at an event supporting College Football Hall of Famer Derrick Johnson's Defend the Dream Foundation.
Hero Kanu had a pretty powerful quote in his first answer today...
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) October 17, 2026
"Men only die when they give up, when they don't believe no more. I'm telling you we still believe"#HookEm | #Texas pic.twitter.com/aCOfezX8tn
Although Kanu has become a key member of the community, he has also made an impact on the gridiron. In six games this year, the talented senior has 16 total tackles and one pass deflection. Regardless of the opponent, Kanu has found a way to make his presence felt.
As Kanu tries to help the Longhorns win a national title, he will also be watching how voting plays out. Three finalists will be named for the award on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The winner will be revealed at the award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 11, 2027.Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions. Follow Jamie Gatlin on X: @Gatlinsports.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns DL Hero Kanu named semifinalist for national award
