UteNation Countdown to Kickoff: No. 55 Spencer Fano

There are 55 days left in the UteNation Countdown to Kickoff series and today we discuss No. 55, Spencer Fano. The 6-foot-6 and 302 pound junior has anchored both sides of the offensive line in his first two seasons with 11 starts at left tackle and 13 at right tackle in 25 games. Fano is going into the 2025 season projected to be drafted anywhere from 10-20 in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he’s viewed as one of the early favorites for the Lombardi Award, given to the best offensive or defensive lineman in college football.

UteNation Take

Fano was a 2024 All-American (PFF First Team, AP Second Team, Walter Camp Second Team) and an All-Big 12 First Team selection for both the coaches and AP polls, and he is a Walter Camp Preseason First Team All-American heading into the 2025 season. Fano is expected to be one of the best offensive tackles in college football this upcoming season opposite Caleb Lomu, giving Utah arguably the best offensive line in the country, as well.

The former Timpview HS standout has been a steady presence in the trenches for Utah ever since he stepped into campus. Another really good season should make him a top NFL draft pick. If he would have been eligible to be drafted as a true sophomore, Fano likely would have been a first round pick during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Remembering Fano’s Recruitment

Keeping local high school prospects in the state of Utah is always a priority for the Utah coaching staff, and Fano was a “must-get” for offensive line coach Jim Harding. Fano was a 4-star Rivals rated recruit, the No. 1 recruit in Utah, and the No. 135 prospect overall by Rivals. In the end, the Utes beat out Oregon and Michigan. This one came down to the very end, as Michigan was the front runner the night before his announcement. Fano’s commitment was the beginning of other 4-star in-state commits, as well as two former 4-star transfers.

The Timpview HS offensive tackle product was a big recruiting win for the University of Utah as he held over 25 scholarship offers, including BYU, the entire Pac-12, Baylor, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, and Tennessee.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sean Davenport also contributed to this article