Hero Kanu isn't just talking about getting better—he's putting in the work to prove it.

The Texas Longhorns' German-born defensive tackle made that clear earlier this spring when he lifted his shirt during a press conference to reveal a tattoo just below his collarbone. The message? "Trust the process."

"You can have all the talent in the world, but if you can't do the little things right, it doesn't matter," Kanu said. "So obviously you've got to trust the process and go in the right direction every day."

For the Longhorns, that process is about more than just motivation. After missing the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years in 2025, Texas enters the 2026 season as a legitimate contender for the national title—a prize they haven't claimed since 2005.

And at the heart of that push is Kanu, who made a pivotal decision to return for another year in Austin instead of declaring for the NFL draft. He's using that extra time wisely, adding 20 pounds to his already imposing 6-foot-5, 300-pound frame after consulting with defensive line coach Kenny Baker and strength coach Torre Becton.

"We collectively made the decision that I'm going to put on a little bit of weight," Kanu said. "If you're going to play in the SEC, you're going to play that real ball."

For a player already known for his raw power and quickness off the line, that added mass could be a game-changer. The SEC is a league where size and strength define the trenches, and Kanu is positioning himself to dominate as the team's most experienced interior lineman.

With the NFL waiting in the wings, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining season for Kanu—and for a Texas program hungry to return to the mountaintop.