Friday Feature #28: Spencer Fano
There was no better offensive tackle combination in college football in 2025 than that of the Utah Utes. When the 1st round concludes on Thursday, the 23rd of April, we could have heard the commissioner say the words “Offensive Lineman, Utah” twice, and my best bet is you hear Spencer Fano’s name in the top 10. He is rock solid in pass pro, elite in run blocking, and could be the next in line to carry on the tradition of elite Polynesian offensive linemen in the NFL. Check out my detailed scouting report on Fano below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Spencer Fano
Year: Junior
Size: 6'6, 311 pounds, Hands: 9", Arms: 32 1/8"(Combine verified)
Position/Scheme Fit: Zone-Read with power and counter blocking
Four-star recruit on 247Sports out of Timpview HS and Provo, Utah. Invited to the East vs. West All-American Bowl in San Antonio. Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 12 offensive tackle in the country and No. 2 player in Utah. Brother, Logan also played at Utah, and he has 4 uncles who played in the NFL. In 2023, he played in all 13 games, starting 12 (11 at LT, 1 at RT). He was named a Freshman All-America first-team as one of two true freshmen to start at left tackle to begin the season.
In 2024, he occupied the right tackle spot in the starting lineup in all 12 games. Was named to the Academic All-Big 12 Team and even rumbled into the end zone for a two-point conversion against Colorado. Garnered All-American recognition from PFF (First Team), AP (Second Team) and Walter Camp (Second Team). He was also named as a finalist for the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. Entering the 2025 season, Spencer Fano was expected to be one of the best linemen in the country and was. He won the Outland Trophy, which is given to the nation’s top interior lineman. Fano started in all 12 games at right tackle heading and gave up zero sacks. He measured in with shorter arms than many expected at the Combine, but Fano's appeal on film of being an excellent athlete translated to the workout, as he looked smooth in every drill.
Games watched: Baylor (2023), Oklahoma State (2024), Colorado (2024), Texas Tech (2025), Arizona State (2025).
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. The Utah native’s run-blocking skillset is probably the best in the country. Not hard to see why on tape, as he moves people at the line with impressive leg drive and technique. Also capable of taking on dual blocks impressively, and has the lateral movement and strength to be a real asset.
2. Played both tackle spots across his 3 seasons at Utah. More than 10 starts at both LT & RT, which shows his versatility. He may end up being a Guard in the NFL, but having experience across the offensive line will help him massively.
3. Shows good recovery in pass pro. Even when he plays high, he can move his feet and get the rusher out of the play by moving him off his spot or getting him on the ground. Excellent athlete, who unsurprisingly had a strong showing at the Combine.
4. Overall, plays with great pad length. Able to manoeuvre under the pad level of the defender and walk him back on running plays. Can also dip under on short yardage running plays and get defenders off balance, allowing runners to fight through arm tackles.
Development Points
1. Length concerns could push him inside to Guard. It shows up in his ability to get some of the bigger, longer defensive linemen off their spot. Prone to lunging as a result and getting off-balance, which limits his upside.
2. May not have the next level strength of top offensive line prospects. Can get bullied a bit and pushed around by bigger, stronger defensive linemen and doesn’t stay in a hand fight as consistently as you'd like.
3. Can get a little grabby, particularly when the QB gets out of the pocket or on rollouts or bootlegs. Had 7 penalties as a Freshman, which he improved in 2024 with only 4, but that jumped back up to 5 his Junior year. An area he needs to ensure that technique is cleaned up on pass pro reps.
4. A little prone to the bull rush. Walked back a few times on film, so needs to improve his anchor and lower body strength. Challenged by David Bailey at the point of attack in the Texas Tech game, and was found wanting at times. He was teed up too easily for inside counters once initially pushed back.
5. Will need to improve his hand usage, given his lack of length and likely move inside. He has great footwork and can move on a string, but inside, he will have to win in a phone booth and can't keep his hands down, as he will get walked back by some of the bigger interior guys.
Conclusion
Spencer Fano has been Mr. Consistent for the Utes, manning the RT position over the last 2 years with aplomb. Fano dominates in the run game and is among the most polished run blockers we've seen entering the draft in recent years. He is consistent every rep and plays with good pad level, leg drive and technique. His pass blocking needs more refinement as he is prone to the bull rush, while being quite grabby on film in spots over the last 3 years. Fano may need to move to guard at the NFL level due to some length issues, but given his prowess in the run game and consistent film, I would be happy taking Fano sometime in the top 10 and plugging him in Day 1 as a starter along the line.
Grade: 7.7/9.0 (Top 10 grade)
Player Comp
If Fano sticks at tackle, I like the comp to Troy Fautanu. He is a better run blocker than the former Washington man, and should hear his name called earlier than Fautanu did. Inside, I see shades of Alijah Vera-Tucker when he was coming out of USC.
Team Fits
Panthers, Browns, Texans, Eagles, Lions