The Texas Longhorns’ defense is shaping up to be a powerhouse for the 2025 season. Few may have expected one of the big stars to be five-star freshman Justus Terry and former Ohio State defensive tackle Hero Kanu, considering their combined youth, but times have changed. 

Both players are expected to play significant roles as the Longhorns aim to maintain their dominance in the SEC and build on their No. 1-ranked recruiting class.

Terry, a 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive lineman from Manchester, Georgia, has already generated significant buzz during spring practices. Ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 2 defensive tackle in the 2025 class by 247Sports, Terry’s commitment to Texas was a major coup, especially considering his initial pledge to Georgia and a brief commitment to USC before ultimately choosing the Longhorns. 

His decision came just before the SEC Championship game against Georgia, adding a layer of intrigue to the rivalry. According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Shepherd, “Now, Terry is set to star in Austin,” highlighting his potential to be a transformative force on the defensive front.

Terry’s athletic profile is remarkable. During his sophomore and junior seasons at Manchester High School, he recorded 116 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and an interception. His size, explosive first-step quickness, and versatility make him a prime candidate for early playing time. 

With Texas losing key defensive linemen like Alfred Collins, Jermayne Lole, Vernon Broughton, and Bill Norton to expiring eligibility, Terry is poised to fill a critical gap. “For all the reasons already listed when discussing [freshman Alex] January, there’s a big opportunity for Terry to play early,” noted a report from the Austin American-Statesman, emphasizing his potential to contribute immediately.

Adding to the excitement, Texas secured the commitment of Hero Kanu, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive tackle transferring from Ohio State. Kanu, who announced his commitment to Texas on January 29, 2025, brings two years of eligibility and valuable experience to the Longhorns’ defensive line. 

During his time with the Buckeyes, Kanu appeared in 24 games, recording 29 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. His size and physicality make him a natural fit alongside Terry, providing Texas with another starting-caliber option in the trenches. Ohio State was left shocked when Kanu departed, and created a major void for Texas to attack in Week 1 against the Buckeyes.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed enthusiasm about the defensive line haul, particularly highlighting Terry’s signing alongside other talented freshmen like Josiah Sharma and Myron Charles, as well as edge rushers like Lance Jackson and Smith Orogbo. 

“I thought we signed a really nice defensive lineman class with him, (Josiah) Sharma, (Myron) Charles, and then obviously our EDGE players coming in so it was a nice ending to the early signing period for us,” Sarkisian said. “I think it made us feel really good that this is a balanced class but we addressed some real needs and obviously in our conference it starts up front and most notably the defensive front.” 

The addition of Kanu further strengthens this group, bringing a veteran presence to complement the influx of young talent.

Terry’s decision to join Texas was described as a “business decision” by the prospect himself, reflecting his entrepreneurial mindset. “It really came down to where I really wanted to be,” Terry said. “Where I could provide for my family early and, you know, just make everything happen within a snap. You know, the NFL is not guaranteed. So you want to, you know, make the best of what you do, so you want to take the best opportunity. So that’s what I did. Took the best opportunity.” 

He also expressed ambitions beyond football, including plans to start an LLC and open a barbershop or trucking business in his hometown.

The Longhorns’ defensive line, now featuring Terry’s raw talent and Kanu’s proven experience, is a focal point as Texas prepares for its 2025 season opener against Ohio State on August 30. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, known for developing stars, will have a formidable group to work with. 

“Longhorns defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has helped develop numerous stars over his time in Austin, and Terry could be the next to join that group,” Shepherd wrote. Kanu’s addition ensures depth and flexibility, with his 315-pound frame offering a stout presence against the run, while Terry’s explosiveness could disrupt opposing backfields.

Texas’ recruiting success, capped by Terry’s commitment and Kanu’s transfer, has solidified their No. 1 ranking in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings. The Longhorns’ 2025 class includes 16 Top247 prospects, tying Oregon for the most in the cycle, and features two top-10 national recruits, with Terry at No. 9. 

This historic recruiting haul, the first No. 1 class for Texas in the 247Sports era, underscores the program’s resurgence under Sarkisian. “Steve Sarkisian and his staff stayed the course throughout the entirety of the 2025 cycle,” a CBSSports.com report noted. “I think their persistent effort, coupled with a strong 2024 season, helped the Longhorns get past the summer slump and surge towards its No. 1-ranked finish.”

As Texas gears up for a highly anticipated 2025 season, the combination of Terry’s five-star potential and Kanu’s seasoned presence positions the Longhorns’ defensive line as a unit to watch. With spring practices already showcasing Terry’s ability to turn heads and Kanu’s proven track record, the Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact in the SEC and beyond.