TribLive is highlighting the top prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The three-day event is April 23-25.
Spencer Fano
Position: Offensive line
Height/weight: 6-foot-5½/311 pounds
College: Utah
The key question about Fano is what position he’ll play in the NFL.
The first-team All-American was a three-year starter at tackle for Utah and won the Outland Trophy as college football’s top lineman. He started at left tackle as a freshman before shifting to the right side of the line the past two seasons.
But questions about his NFL combine measurements — particularly 32⅛-inch arms — had draft analysts asking whether he could remain at tackle. However, at Utah’s pro day, his arms measured 32⅞ inches, moving him closer to the 33-inch standard for NFL tackles.
Draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted in Fano’s NFL.com bio that he “lacks ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet and high-end athleticism.”
Fano allowed no sacks, no quarterback hits and five hurries last season in 382 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He ended his career by going 23 straight games without allowing a sack.
Fano earned second-team All-American honors last season and was named a Freshman All-American in 2023.
Key stat
3 — Number of career sacks allowed by Fano in 1,099 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF. He allowed two as a freshman.
Did you know?
Four of Fano’s uncles played in the NFL: Gabe Reid (Bears), Spencer Reid (Panthers), Tenny Palepoi (Chargers) and Anton Palepoi (Broncos, Seahawks and Cardinals).
On draft
Here is a look at where the top NFL Draft analysts rank Fano among players at his position and prospects overall:
Draft expert — OT/Overall
Mel Kiper Jr. — first*/11th
Daniel Jeremiah — second*/13th
Todd McShay — second/12th
Field Yates — third/12th
*Kiper and Jeremiah list Fano as an interior offensive lineman
Quotable
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.: “I wouldn’t write him off as a right tackle, but he’s going to be a great guard or center.”
