The Utah Utes made a bold statement in ESPN’s “way-too-early” 2026 NFL mock draft—landing not one, but two Utes projected in the first round.
Utah Utes Shine in First Round Projections
ESPN analyst Matt Miller slots Spencer Fano in the top 10, with the Seattle Seahawks selecting Fano at No. 10 overall. Fano has starred at both tackle spots for Utah and brings exceptional athleticism at 6‑5, 304 lbs making him attractive as an NFL tackle.
Shortly after, Caleb Lomu, Utah’s left tackle, is pegged as a mid‑first round pick—No. 12 to the Browns, who are projected to use their second 2026 pick on him, per Miller.
Big 12 Impact—Utah Leading the Pack
While most mock drafts spotlight Alabama, Clemson, or Ohio State, Utah is the only Big 12 program with two first‑rounders in this mock. Fano and Lomu top ESPN’s position rankings—Fano among the most polished tackles and Lomu already drawing early-round buzz for his tape and athletic movement.
The only other Big 12 player in this ESPN NFL Mock Draft is Arizona State wide receiver Jordan Tyson. He is projected by ESPN as a top‑10 pick at No. 8 overall to the Patriots. The 6‑foot‑1, 195‑pound junior broke out last season with 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning First‑Team All‑Big 12 and the conference’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors.
Related: Despite Rough Year, Utah Given Second-Best Odds to Win Big 12
Looking Ahead
After a highly anticipated debut Big 12 season, the 2024 Utah Utes fell well short of expectations—finishing 5–7 overall and 2–7 in conference play in coach Kyle Whittingham’s 20th year at the helm Injuries decimated Utah’s quarterback room—Cam Rising and Brandon Rose both went down—and the offense collapsed, ranking near the bottom nationally in scoring (No. 102), passing (No. 98), and total output (No. 115).
Looking ahead to 2025, Utah aims to recapture its form. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck arrives from New Mexico with dual‑threat quarterback Devon Dampier in tow, and Utah returns all five starting offensive linemen. The Utes have a projected win total set at 7.5 games.
