2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Utah’s Offensive Lineman Spencer Fano

Spencer Fano is a beast. At 6’5” and 310 lbs., Fano dominated his competition for most of last year, drawing comparisons to NFL All-Pro Rashawn Slater of the Los Angeles Chargers. Upon arriving on campus, Fano became one of only two freshmen to start at left tackle in all of college football. Since then, he’s played both tackle positions for the Utes and has won awards on and off the field for both his play and academic achievements.

It doesn’t hurt that Fano has NFL bloodlines. He has three uncles who have played in the NFL, and his brother Logan is a teammate of his in Utah. His combined athletic and academic skills, coupled with that kind of pedigree, has scouts clamoring to see what he can do during the 2025 campaign. 

Strengths 

Fano is a road grader for the Utes. His run blocking begins with the speed of his initial step, but the flash really comes from his power. He moves linemen away with frequency, often five yards downfield, creating holes for the running backs to find daylight. 

But he’s equally proficient as a pass protector. He moves like a man 30 lbs. lighter and already possesses pro-level footwork and hand placement. He changes direction well and will likely test at next year’s NFL Combine similar to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Troy Fautanu. His speed allows him to recover well but he’s perfectly sized to be a starting NFL left tackle for years to come. 

Weaknesses

Fano has the frame to add some weight and likely not diminish his elite speed and footwork. That will help him anchor down at the next level. And Fano has some techniques in pass protection to perfect before getting to the next level. Sometimes he’s too aggressive, and NFL edge rushers will take advantage of that.

Draft Nation feels that if he works through some of these issues, he will put himself into the top tackle conversation for the 2026 NFL draft. He’s got some stiff competition and playing at Utah may not get him the airtime of some of his colleagues in Miami and Alabama, but scouts will look by the glitz and into the trenches. 

Conclusion

Spencer Fano has the talent to be the first left tackle prospect off the board next April, but will likely be the third to be chosen as he doesn’t play at a blue-chip school. That doesn’t diminish his skills on the field, and some team in the latter parts of the top-10 is going to get a true NFL starter, if not future All-Pro with Fano. He’s powerful, fast, smart, and has the bloodlines to truly be a menace at the next level. Don’t sleep on him.