IPL 2026: Phil Salt returns home mid-season for scans, RCB face anxious wait
Phil Salt returns to the UK for scans on a finger injury, leaving RCB anxious about his IPL 2026 availability.
Texas football defensive tackle Hero Kanu has added 20 pounds to his 6-foot-5 frame to prepare for the 2026 season. He aims to improve his performance after deciding to forgo the NFL draft for another year.
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Hero Kanu revealed his way of doing business earlier this spring.
In tattoo form, no less.
Sign up for Cedric Goldenâs newsletter for hot takes and expert analysis each Tuesday on Texas Longhorns football and beyond. Â It's called Cedâs Corner, from the mind of the American-Statesmanâs resident sports columnist who was named the NSMA's 2025 Texas Sportswriter of the Year. Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the Red River Rivalry against the at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman) That process can be long and labored, but when executed correctly, fruit can happen.Thatâs the hope for the Longhorns, who will enter the 2026 season as one of several teams with a legitimate chance to win the whole shooting match after missing the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years in 2025. While the program will be seeking its first national championship since 2005 and its fifth overall, this fall represents a major test for the teamâs most experienced interior lineman on a personal and professional level.
Hero Kanu added 20 pounds to his weight and made adjustments in his training to enhance his performance.
Kanu chose to stay in college to improve his skills and prepare better for a future NFL career after discussions with his coaches.
Kanu's development is influenced by defensive line coach Kenny Baker and head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Kanu aims to help the Longhorns compete for their first national championship since 2005.
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Kanu is in his second year in Austin after deciding against being a one-and-done Longhorn. He put off the NFL draft for another year and made some noticeable changes in his preparation, including a big one on the scale by adding 20 pounds to his 6-foot-5, 300-pound frame after consulting with UT defensive line coach Kenny Baker and strength and conditioning coach Torre Becton.
âWe collectively made the decision that I'm going to put on a little bit of weight," Kanu said. "If youâre going to play in the SEC, youâre going to play that real ball.â
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Kanuâs position isnât always about the numbers since tackles often occupy blockers to allow linebackers and edge rushers to make the highlight reel plays, but the program has produced some great disruptors on the interior in recent years like TâVondre Sweat, Byron Murphy II and Collins.
The goal is to press the pocket more under new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. Baker wants more flash from the middle in the mode or previous DT's around here and if that happens, a defense that slipped from third to 40th over the last two seasons can regain its collective swagger.
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