CHEEZ-IT CITRUS BOWL: MICHIGAN VS TEXAS

December 29, 2025

Hero Kanu

Camping World Stadium

Texas Longhorns

Day for Kids

Q. What's your favorite ride today? What did you do?

HERO KANU: That scramble over there was the first ride we went on. I had one kid named Dominic. It was super fun. It was a little restricted, because some of the rides he was too short and had to have an adult with him, but overall, it was a fun day.

Q. Did you go on the Sky Coaster?

HERO KANU: Uh-uh. I am afraid of heights. I seen people -- we were on the scramble, we seen people (do it) and were like, 'Oh, we good.'

Q. Are you coming back next year?

HERO KANU: I haven't made the decision yet. We have to wait till after the game.

Q. What are you going to base it on?

HERO KANU: A lot of things. What are the opportunities, where am I at in my career, do I feel ready, what are the grades and everything.

Q. What was it like competing?

HERO KANU: Honestly, it's been super fun so far. We all take this really seriously, especially with all the changes that have been happening on both sides, honestly. It has been super fun. We also hold it together. We all playing for each other. And you got guys like Mike still supporting. Love you, Mike.

Q. You've never beat, Michigan, have you?

HERO KANU: No, I have not. That's motivation right there.

For me personally, I don't want to put anything personal in here, but obviously, it is a team I haven't beaten so far. In college, you want to make sure you beat every team at least once, you know.

Q. Did you root for the Buckeyes when they played Michigan this year?

HERO KANU: For sure, my friends and old coaches, I am rooting for them all the way.

Q. Why do you feel like y'all didn't make the playoffs this year?

HERO KANU: It is hard. I would have understood if you made it because of the strength of schedule. We beat three Top 10 teams. But at the same time, they did mention they are not going to punish any teams playing the championship games. So, that is really what it was to be honest.

We shouldn't have lost to Florida, in my eyes, and obviously, you could always argue that we shouldn't have scheduled Ohio State. But to be honest everybody wants to see a game like that, Texas versus Ohio State. I want to play in a game like that. I want to have the best competition out there for us.

Q. How are the opt-outs affecting the team?

HERO KANU: Yeah, there are a couple guys that went in the portal. We still wish everybody the best of luck and going on in their career the path they take.

But for us, it doesn't change too much. It is next man up. It's for a lot of programs like this, next man mentality, you have to be ready when your number is called.

Q. Who was the biggest surprise?

HERO KANU: Me and Liona are pretty close, that surprised me a little bit, but I still wish him the best of luck wherever he is going.

Q. What have you known about Will Muschamp beforehand, and what was your initial reaction to him?

HERO KANU: Funny thing, when he first got introduced, I remember that one video at LSU, I don't know if you guys know which one I'm talking about. He is on the sideline, saying some words to some players. Is that the same guy? Wasn't it like 20 years ago?

The other funny thing is when I was getting recruited to Georgia, I saw him, obviously, and to see his face again was pretty fun.

Q. He brings a lot of intensity. Is that your takeaway?

HERO KANU: For sure a lot of intensity, a lot of energy. I loved it. He is doing a great job so far.

Q. What do you think of Bryce Underwood?

HERO KANU: He is a great player. He has great talent, great size and a lot of upside. I am looking forward to playing him. It is always fun playing the best in the country.

Q. Did you meet him here today?

HERO KANU: I met him for like a couple minutes, a short friendly exchange.

Q. Michigan just hired Kyle Whittingham. Did Kyle recruit you out of high school?

HERO KANU: They did not, actually. Especially being on the west coast, it was a surprise for me, because usually it is regional, but I have only heard great things of him. I know a couple guys that were at Utah that said he was a great coach, great leader, great man. So, looking forward for this era.