News Summary
The Texas Longhorns are strengthening their defense for the upcoming football season with the commitments of five-star freshman Justus Terry and transfer Hero Kanu from Ohio State. Terry, a highly ranked defensive tackle, has shown impressive high school stats and is expected to make an immediate impact. Kanu, with experience from Ohio State, will bring depth to the defensive line as the team prepares for a competitive season. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is optimistic about the recruiting class, which is ranked highly by 247Sports, as they aim to improve their defensive strategies.
Austin, Texas – The Texas Longhorns are poised to bolster their defensive lineup for the 2025 season, with the addition of five-star freshman Justus Terry and transfer defensive tackle Hero Kanu from Ohio State. These key recruits are expected to significantly enhance Texas’s defensive capabilities, as the team aims for a dominant presence on the field.
Justus Terry, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 275 pounds, hails from Manchester, Georgia. He is acclaimed as the No. 9 overall prospect and the No. 2 defensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting class by 247Sports. Terry’s commitment to the Longhorns came as a surprise, especially after he had originally pledged to both Georgia and USC before choosing Texas. His commitment was made public shortly before the SEC Championship game against Georgia, and it sparked considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike.
During his high school career, Terry showcased impressive statistics, recording 116 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, as well as contributing to the team with three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and an interception. His performances during spring practices further solidified his standing, as many believe he is a prime candidate for early playing time, particularly with Texas set to lose key defensive linemen due to expiring eligibility.
Hero Kanu, another addition to Texas’s formidable defense, brings a wealth of experience from Ohio State. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Kanu recorded 29 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks during his tenure with the Buckeyes, which included participation in 24 games. His transfer adds significant depth to the defensive line, addressing Texas’s need to fortify their interior defense in light of recent losses among their contributors.
The head coach of the Longhorns, Steve Sarkisian, expressed enthusiasm regarding the recent recruitment efforts. The Texas defensive class for 2025 holds the top ranking in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings. This class features 16 Top247 prospects and ties Oregon for the most highly regarded prospects in this recruitment cycle, underscoring the program’s commitment to enhancing their defensive capabilities.
Alongside Terry and Kanu, Texas has also made strides through the transfer portal, securing players like Cole Brevard, Travis Shaw, and Maraad Watson. The cohesive unit is expected to benefit under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, known for developing defensive stars. This strategic recruitment aligns with Texas’s intent to revamp their defensive strategy heading into the upcoming season.
As Texas prepares for their first game of the 2025 season against Ohio State on August 30, they are focusing on integrating these new players effectively. Terry’s early enrollment is anticipated to accelerate his adaptation to the team, allowing him to participate in both bowl and spring practices. His commitment, described as a “business decision,” reflects his dedication to providing for his family while simultaneously pursuing opportunities beyond football, including aspirations to start an LLC and open a barbershop or trucking business.
Looking beyond the 2025 season, Texas has already identified talent for future recruiting efforts, particularly eyeing Jalen Brewster, a top defensive lineman from Cedar Hill, Texas, amid competition from other major programs. With the additions of top-tier talent and a clear plan for development, the Longhorns’ defense is setting the stage for what could be a significant season ahead.
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Additional Resources
- A to Z Sports: Justus Terry
- Wikipedia: Justus Terry
- SI: Texas Freshman Justus Terry
- Google Search: Justus Terry
- USA Today: Jalen Brewster Visits Longhorns
- Google Scholar: Jalen Brewster
- Athlon Sports: Dylan Berymon Commitment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dylan Berymon
- A to Z Sports: Emanuel Ruffin
- Google News: Emanuel Ruffin
