Hanson attended DePaul Catholic High School in New Jersey. He was graded as a 3-star recruit via 247 Sports and ESPN. Following high school, Hanson decided to join Holy Cross.
Hanson appeared in 3 games as a backup lineman in 2019, earning a redshirt. He appeared in three more game in a backup role in 2020.
He started all 13 games at right guard in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons for Holy Cross, allowing just one sack in 2021, and no sacks in 2022. He was part of a 2022 offensive line which led the sixth best rushing offense in the nation, averaging 245.1 rush yards per game.
Hanson returned for his fifth season with Holy Cross in 2023, allowing no sacks in his 11 starts. He was part of a line which led the third best rushing attack in the country averaging 264.2 rush yards per game.