The Fall of Olu Fashanu | Is Penn State offensive lineman’s stock falling?

When I assessed offensive linemen rankings at the outset of the 2023 college football season, Olu Fashanu stood tall as the undisputed leader, not just among tackles, but across all offensive linemen. However, since then, Fashanu has slipped to the fourth spot in my rankings. The pertinent question now arises: What led to Olu Fashanu’s descent in the rankings?

The turning point came shortly after the clash between Penn State and Ohio State, where Fashanu found himself pitted against Ohio State’s formidable edge rusher, JT Tuimoloau. It was a showdown that left Fashanu overmatched and exposed. Tuimoloau’s dominance raised significant concerns about Fashanu’s readiness to handle elite pass rushers. Fashanu frequently found himself on the turf, revealing his lack of polish in dealing with swift edge rushers like Tuimoloau. This game served as a stark reminder of Fashanu’s limited experience at the collegiate level.

Meanwhile, other tackles in the class began to shine. Players like Fuaga and Latham showcased stellar performances, earning them higher positions in my rankings. Their consistent displays of skill and improvement contrasted with Fashanu’s struggles, further diminishing his standing.

Nevertheless, despite his fall in the rankings, Fashanu still possesses the raw talent necessary for greatness. With the right guidance and development, he can overcome his deficiencies and emerge as a highly effective player at the next level. The key lies in finding the ideal destination in the draft and honing his skill set to unlock his full potential.