Latest news with #SpencerFano
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
2025 Big 12 Preseason Top 25 Players: Deep Talent Across the Conference
It's a fun year to come up with the 25 best Big 12 players it's relatively easy, but like the rest of the conference, it's so even and so solid from top to bottom, this year it's the Big Ten and SEC, the high-end, next-level talent isn't quite there, but with the influx of great transfers at places like Texas Tech and Colorado, and with great parts still around all across the board, there's plenty of room for no question about it - you could swap out all the quarterbacks on this list with the ones we left off, and you'd probably be right. But going into the season, here we go with the Top 25 Big 12 going to be a blast.- Previews of every Big 12 team - CFN All-Big 12 Team 2025 CFN Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Spencer Fano, OT Jr. UtahAnd it might not be even close, Fano should be the best pro prospect out of the Big 12 going into the 2026 NFL Draft. At 6-6 and 302 pounds, he's not massive by next-level standards, but he's an ultra-athletic masher who'll be the star on a fantastic Ute line. 2025 CFN Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Dontay Corleone, DT Sr. CincinnatiA true anchor, the 6-1, 335-pound "Godfather" is the steady centerpiece of the Bearcat line. In three seasons, he made 110 tackles with 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, but more than that, he's a true leader for what should be a vastly improved D. 2025 CFN Preseason Big 12 Top 25 Players 1. Spencer Fano, OT Jr. Utah2. Dontay Corleone, DT Sr. Cincinnati3. Jordyn Tyson, WR Jr. Arizona State4. Sam Leavitt, QB Soph. Arizona State5. Jacob Rodriguez, LB Sr. Texas Tech 6. Devon Dampier, QB Jr. Utah7. Keaton Thomas, LB Jr. Baylor8. Avery Johnson, QB Jr. Kansas State9. Tanner Koziol, TE Sr. Houston10. Isaiah Glasker, LB Jr. BYU11. Austin Romaine, LB Jr. Kansas State12. Rocco Becht, QB Jr. Iowa State13. David Bailey, Sr. EDGE Texas Tech14. Xavion Alford, S Sr. Arizona State15. Jeremiah Cooper, S Sr. Iowa State16. Josh Hoover, QB Jr. TCU17. Howard Sampson, OT Jr. Texas Tech18. Bud Clark, S Sr. TCU19. Jontez Williams, CB Jr. Iowa State20. Nyjalik Kelly, EDGE Sr. UCF21. Jalon Daniels, QB Sr. Kansas22. DJ McKinney, CB Jr. Colorado23. Jimmori Robinson, Sr. West Virginia24. Myles Rowser, S Sr. Arizona State25. Dalton Johnson, S Sr. Arizona- Previews of every Big 12 team Related: 2025 CFN Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team: Too Much Talent, Too Few Spots © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Clemson star wide receiver named a Top 15 offensive underclassman for the 2026 NFL draft
Antonio Williams is already drawing plenty of NFL buzz as he heads into what could be his final season in Clemson's wide receiver room. The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner recently spotlighted Williams as one of the top offensive underclassmen to watch for the 2026 NFL Draft. Baumgardner placed Williams 13th overall among draft-eligible underclassmen on offense, noting just how valuable he's been for Cade Klubnik and Clemson's passing attack. Advertisement 'A 5-11, 190-pound redshirt junior, Williams plays bigger than he looks with great burst and quick feet off the snap,' Baumgardner said. 'He is very hard to deal with in a tight space and does a good job tracking and finishing through contact and physicality. He forced 14 missed tackles last season, carving up would-be tacklers with vision and explosive balance. 'He needs to eliminate his drops, and his size could limit his role in the NFL, but Williams has been great for Clemson star QB Cade Klubnik.' The Tigers' top receiver target checked in as the fourth-ranked wideout on the list. Beyond Williams, Clemson's upcoming slate will bring more underclassman talent into focus — Baumgardner ranked Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano at No. 1, with South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers (QB) landing at No. 5 and Boston College lineman Jude Bowry coming in at No. 15. Advertisement With Williams healthy and poised for a big year, Klubnik could have one of the ACC's toughest covers at his disposal — and NFL scouts will be watching closely. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions. This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson WR Antonio Williams a Top 15 underclassman for 2026 NFL draft
USA Today
06-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking all 16 Big 12 offensive line units from worst to first
The Big 12 saw a mass exodus of talented skill players to the NFL last season, but what has gone under the radar is the impact on the trenches. Of last season's All-Big 12 first team, four of the five offensive linemen hit the NFL besides Utah's Spencer Fano. This led to programs scouring the portal to find answers along the offensive line. The Colorado Buffaloes needed to improve their offensive line, and they aggressively recruited some of college football's top prospects through the transfer portal. But as the Buffaloes upgraded, so did other teams such as Texas Tech. The conference has some potential NFL stars and a stacked transfer class, so which squad has the best trenches in the Big 12? As we head into the 2025 season, here are our rankings of all 16 Big 12 offensive lines heading into the season. Our other 2025 unit rankings: Quarterbacks, Running backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends 16. West Virginia Mountaineers It's not even the Mountaineers' fault that they come in at No. 16. They lost all five of their starters from last season after most entered the transfer portal following the hiring of head coach Rich Rodriguez. However, they have somewhat replenished through the portal with a few transfers, but not close to the experience that left. 15. UCF Knights The Knights' offensive line needed a major makeover this offseason. They only have one returning starter with Paul Rubelt at right tackle, who has anchored their offensive line the past two seasons. UCF added some depth through the portal with experienced players, but not to the same caliber as the players leaving the team. 14. Oklahoma State Cowboys The Cowboys are in the same boat as the Mountaineers with no returning starters. They lost all of their experience in their offensive line room when all five starters exhausted their eligibility last season. OSU comes in at No. 14 because they were able to bring in better transfers, experience-wise, who should be immediate difference makers. Kasen Carpenter is the most promising of their transfers, who played the second-most snaps out of any player at Tulsa last season. 13. Arizona Wildcats The Wildcats lost their anchor in Jonah Savaiinaea and failed to replace him. Arizona let up the second-most sacks in the Big 12 last season, so fixing its leaky offensive line was a major offseason priority. They brought in a plethora of transfers, but nobody with nearly enough experience to make a difference this season. Their best transfer would have to be Ka'ena Decambra, who had moderate success in his time at Hawaii. 12. Kansas Jayhawks The Jayhawks are returning All-Big 12 second team center Bryce Foster and guard Kobe Baynes from last year's squad. The team also hit the portal hard with five new faces. However, of their transfers, only one has enough college experience to make an immediate impact. While the Jayhawks rely on their run game, they may struggle as the new starters adjust. 11. TCU Horned Frogs TCU's offensive line is solid in pass protection, but struggles in the run game. Last season, they only tallied 113.9 rushing yards per game, but helped quarterback Josh Hoover to an outstanding passing season. The team is only returning the right side of their line with Ben Taylor-Whitfield and Carson Bruno. However, they are relying on transfers to step up and start. TCU is expected to have a decent year in 2025, but if Hoover isn't protected, it might be worse than expected. 10. Houston Cougars The Cougars have two returning starters from last season: left tackle David Ndukwe and center Demetruis Hunter. Houston did add some good transfers who are all slotted to compete for the starting jobs at their respective position. Houston's o-line will be competitive in the conference, but won't be the best. 9. Cincinnati Bearcats The Bearcats lost their starting guards with first-team All-Big 12 Luke Kandra and John Williams heading to the NFL. Those two leave big shoes to fill, but are keeping center and team captain Gavin Gerhardt. They also added two three-star transfers that should be slotted in to start for the team. The Bearcats' offensive line isn't as strong this year as it was previously, but it's not horrible. 8. BYU Cougars Even though the Cougars lost their starting quarterback, whoever is under center should feel protected behind BYU's o-line. BYU is most notably returning its captain from last season, Weylin Lapuaho, along with a few potential starters. They also brought in two three-star transfers this spring, along with former Colorado lineman Isaiah Jatta, who will likely start at left tackle. The team should have a decent offensive line in 2025, but probably not to the same level as their 2024 squad. 7. Colorado Buffaloes After Shedeur Sanders had another season where he was sacked 40 times, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, had to take action. His something? The transfer portal. The Buffs hit the portal hard, adding size and experience to a room that was lacking. Overall, Colorado added eight transfers to their offensive line room. That, paired with former five-star Jordan Seaton, sets the Buffs up to have a sneaky good offensive line this season, but only time will tell. 6. Kansas State Kansas State is returning its Second Team All-Big 12 center, Sam Hecht, and guard Taylor Poitier as its only starters. However, they have capable players that can step up into larger roles in 2025, such as Andrew Leingang, who saw playing time in every game last season. They also added a three-star transfer from Ohio State, George Fitzpatrick, who should be a solid starter for them. 5. Iowa State Cyclones Iowa State is projected to have a good year in the Big 12, and the play of their offensive line should be a significant factor. The Cyclones are returning Tyler Miller and James Neal II, who should slot in as starters. Along with returning starter Brendan Black at guard, the squad has many experienced linemen and should be a force to be reckoned with in the conference. 4. Baylor Bears Baylor is one of two teams returning most of its starters from last season. The team is returning key starters, including their blind side protector, Sidney Fugar, and guard Ryan Lengyel, who had a 78.0 pass blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, their right side is anchored by returning starter Omar Aigbedion, who received Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2024. Baylor is expected to have a high-powered offense in 2025, and a high-level offensive line is expected to play a key role. 3. Texas Tech Red Raiders The Red Raiders identified a problem and addressed it. After quarterback Behren Morton was sacked 23 times last year, they recruited three of the top 15 offensive linemen in the transfer portal. They are also returning a few starters in guard Davion Carter and center Sheridan Wilson. 2. Arizona State Sun Devils Despite losing their All-Big 12 lineman, ASU is returning four starters from the team that won the Big 12 last season. The squad is returning their tackles, Josh Atkins and Maxwell Iheanachor, along with guards Kyle Scott and Ben Coleman. However, they might face some inconsistency at center after losing Leif Fautanu to the NFL. 1. Utah Utes Utah is returning one of college football's top offensive tackles in Spencer Fano, after a stellar sophomore season. Playing the opposite side of the Utah offensive line is another potential first-round draft pick in Caleb Lomu. They are set on the interior as well, with returning starters at center and guard. Leading their interior is Tanoa Togiai, who was third among guards in overall PFF grade last season. At center, Jaren Kump returns after starting all 12 games last season. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chiefs summer scouting: Big 12 offensive linemen to know for 2026 NFL draft
The Kansas City Chiefs shopped at the top of the offensive tackle market in this year's draft class. Brett Veach could continue seeking answers in the trenches if some of the front's volatile options struggle in 2025. Fortunately, the 2026 NFL draft features a talented and deep offensive line class. The Utah Utes boast one of the nation's best offensive tackle duos. Left tackle Caleb Lomu is a top three prospect at his position with excellent mobility, hip flexibility and a polished snatch-trap. He projects as an early first round selection. On the right side, Spencer Fano is one of the angriest blockers in the class. He's a joy to watch but projects best at guard because of a lack of mass. TCU Horned Frogs right tackle Ben Taylor-Whitfield needs to refine his strike timing and placement, but his prototypical size and anchoring power make him a potential second or third round selection. Taylor-Whitfield's game is rough around the edges, but he ends the play once he gets his hands on the defender. He must gain more experience in true vertical pass sets. Arizona State Sun Devils right tackle Max Iheanachor is another intriguing prospect with a tremendous build but limited polish. His long arms and powerful grip strength help him lockdown pass rushers, and he displays the power and movement to succeed in various run schemes. Iheanachor needs more experience to improve his hand usage and refine his balance. The Texas Tech Red Raiders boast a pair of quality prospects in center Sheridan Wilson and Illinois State transfer Hunter Zambrano. Wilson won't register on the Chiefs' radar because of their stability at the position, but Zambrano might generate some interest as a Day 3 tackle-to-guard convert. Despite coming from a small school, Zambrano put NFL-caliber power on tape before suffering a season-ending injury last year. He lacks the arm length to play offensive tackle and must sink his pad level in pass protection, but his hand usage, versatility in the run game and attacking mentality make him worth a second look when he debuts at the Power Four level this fall. The Kansas Jayhawks also feature a pair of prospects. Bryce Foster is one of the most experienced options in a thin center class. Left tackle Calvin Clements likely won't declare following the 2025 season, but he's a developing lineman with a potentially high ceiling. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs summer scouting: Big 12 offensive linemen in 2026 NFL draft
USA Today
02-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
New York Giants predicted to land OT Spencer Fano in way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft
New York Giants predicted to land OT Spencer Fano in way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft The New York Giants face a crucial upcoming season that brings a cloudy future. After general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll were retained despite coming off a 3-14 season, there's no doubt both figures will be on the hot seat once the 2025 campaign begins. Projecting what New York will do next offseason is difficult enough considering how much can change until then, and it's even more true given the chance that an entirely new regime could be taking over if Schoen and Daboll fail to deliver the necessary hope to keep their jobs. With all that said, a recent way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson has Big Blue going back to the offensive line, grabbing Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the No. 4 overall pick. Technician in both pass protection and against the run. Played in primarily zone scheme and fit it perfectly because of mix of athleticism and power. Technically sound run blocker who wins with power/balance. If the Giants once again hold a selection in the top five of the draft order, it's fair to assume both Schoen and Daboll will be gone. The only saving grace in that situation would be if rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart showed some promise down the stretch of the season — even if it wouldn't result in winning games. Fano is considered to be one of the top prospects in the upcoming class, along with Utah's other tackle Caleb Lomu. The former is entering his true junior season with the experience of playing both tackle spots throughout his collegiate career with the Utes. Rated as the No. 14 overall prospect by Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice, Fano "is a springy athlete who can constantly stay on his feet, as well as with pass rushers and any post-snap movement, and he is also a strong finisher in the run game." Per Pro Football Focus, Fano allowed 14 total pressures, including one sack and two quarterback hits, from the right tackle spot in 2024. With Jermaine Eluemunor entering the final year of his contract, the right tackle spot could be an enormous need for the Giants. The 2026 NFL draft is still far in the back of the minds of the Giants front office but regardless of who is calling the shots at that point, Fano is a name to keep in mind. Pro Football Network also previously mocked Fano to the Giants.
