Longhorns star named William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

As the Texas Longhorns have gotten off to a 3-0 start various players have played key roles. That includes fifth-year defensive lineman Hero Kanu who earned national recognition for his play on Wednesday. The Longhorns veteran was named a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy. Each year the award is given to the best player   in the nation for their academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

With this honor, Kanu joins a list that includes a few Longhorns legends. Texas has had back-to-back finalists in Trey Moore and Jake Majors. Only two alums have won the award: Dallas Griffin in 2007 and Sam Acho in 2010. Although Kanu has impressed on the field, he has impacted others by going back to the community. 

Over the last two years, the talented senior has hosted eight free football camps in Germany and France. At those camps, Kanu has taught students the game of football and the skills needed to be a successful student-athlete. Kanu's work in the community doesn't stop there; 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.

During his Longhorns career, Kanu has played in 16 games and made 15 starts. So far this season, he has six tackles, including 2.5 for a loss. The Longhorns defensive lineman has also two quarterback hurries, which rank second on the team. That is not a bad place to be with SEC play less than two days away. 

While the Longhorns are full of talent, Kanu has made a name for himself in Austin while chasing a national title. His latest honor shows that his efforts on and off the field are not going unnoticed. 

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 Trey on X: @TreyLuerssen.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns star named William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos