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Buckeyes defensive lineman Hero Kanu enters transfer portal

Spencer-Holbrookby: Spencer Holbrook01/25/25SpencerHolbrook
Hero Kanu by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --

COLUMBUS — Ohio State reserve defensive lineman Hero Kanu has entered the transfer portal. He’s a former four-star recruit.

Kanu will have two years of eligibility remaining wherever he chooses to go. He was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022. Kanu was the No. 121 overall player, the No. 15 defensive lineman and the No. 9 player in the state of California.

He played 90 snaps for the Buckeyes in 2023 and then played 123 snaps in his third year, helping Ohio State win the national championship. Over the course of his career, Kanu had 14 total tackles and one sack.

Kanu could have carved out a role on the defensive line next season if he didn’t enter the portal. The Buckeyes are set to lose all four starters from their defensive line: Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton and J.T. Tuimoloau.

Ohio State will return defensive tackles Eric Mensah, Jason Moore, Kayden McDonald, Will Smith Jr. and Tywone Malone. The Buckeyes also added three defensive tackles in the recruiting class of 2025. But that position does appear to be thin now with Kanu leaving.

Kanu was with the Buckeyes for three seasons, playing a role on the last two teams. But now he’ll head elsewhere to finish his college career.

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