The Utah Utes have distinguished themselves over the years by producing some of the best offensive linemen in the country. Last season’s Utes’ offensive line, which anchored the team’s top-10 scoring offense in the FBS, was headlined by the talented Spencer Fano, who is expected to be an early first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After a stellar season, Utah’s offensive line earned a PFSN College Offensive Line Impact score of 97.8, with an A+ grade.
Spencer Fano Leads Utah’s Draft Hopefuls
In Ian Cumming’s latest mock draft, offensive lineman Spencer Fano was the first Utah star to be selected No. 8 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“The 6’6″, 302-pound Spencer Fano has the tools to stick at tackle in the NFL, but for New Orleans, he’d be of particular value inside with his S-tier athleticism, alien-size adjusted quickness, knee bend, crisp and efficient hands, and dominant run-game power,” Cummings wrote.
“Of course, the Saints aren’t limited to Fano at guard. They could keep Fano at tackle and shift Taliese Fuaga inside. This pick simply gives the Saints flexibility and raises their floor and ceiling across the board on the offensive front.”
Fano’s influence on the Utes’ offensive line was a key reason Utah was ranked No. 1 in the FBS in yards per carry (6.1), No. 2 in rushing yards per game (269.8), No. 4 in rushing touchdowns (37), and allowed only 11 sacks in 12 games.
For his impressive performances for the Utes, where he gave up zero sacks on quarterback Devon Dampier, Fano was named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and was also awarded the Outland Trophy, given to the best interior lineman in the country.
Fano formed a devastating double team in Utah’s offensive line with offensive tackle Caleb Lomu last season, who is predicted to be picked No. 23 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in Cummings’ mock draft.
“Caleb Lomu slides in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, but his fall ends in an exciting location. The Philadelphia Eagles capitalize on Lomu’s value here, adding him as a potential successor for either Jordan Mailata or Lane Johnson, the latter of whom is approaching twilight faster,” Cummings wrote.
“At 6’6″, 304 pounds, Lomu enthralls with his athleticism and overarching flexibility, and those two foundational traits have always underlain his ability as a staunch pass protector. In 2025, however, he showed marked improvement as a run blocker and power driver. Lomu helps with that.”
In a draft class overflowing with offensive linemen, Lomu, who didn’t allow any sacks on Dampier as well last season, still stands out for his athleticism and consistent pass protection.
The Utes’ burgeoning legacy of producing talented, NFL-ready offensive linemen will be significantly bolstered should the impressive Fano and Lomu hear their names called on draft night.
