Big 12 Team Has Two Offensive Linemen in First Round of ESPN 2026 Mock NFL Draft

A year ago, Utah was picked to win the Big 12. Instead, the Utes stumbled to a 5-7 finish and missed a bowl game in their first year in the conference. But if there’s a reason to believe 2025 could flip the script in Salt Lake City, it starts up front—and more specifically, at offensive tackle.

In ESPN’s way-too-early 2026 NFL Mock Draft, analyst Jordan Reid has two Utah tackles going in the first round.

Spencer Fano is projected to the Seahawks at No. 12 overall, while Caleb Lomu lands with the Rams at No. 23. That’s not just draft hype—that’s a sign of legitimate, first-round-level trench talent anchoring both sides of the Utes’ offensive line.

Fano and Lomu might be the best tackle duo in the country. Fano, a former four-star recruit, has the kind of footwork and athleticism that NFL teams covet in left tackles.

Lomu, meanwhile, brings physicality and upside that’s still untapped. If these two play like future pros this fall, Utah has a chance to look like the team everyone expected in 2024.

The big X-factor is quarterback Devon Dampier, who showed flashes of brilliance at New Mexico last season and has the tools to lead a bounce-back campaign. If Dampier settles in and protects the football, Utah has the line, the coaching, and the culture to rebound quickly, especially with a defense that’s never far from nasty under Kyle Whittingham.

We’ve seen Whittingham squeeze 10 wins out of less talented rosters than this one. And if the offensive line lives up to its billing—and its future NFL pedigree—don’t be surprised if Utah climbs back toward the top of the Big 12.

After all, it’s hard to go 5-7 when both your tackles are projected to go in the first round.