Penn State's Olu Fashanu Declares for NFL Draft
Penn State All-American Olu Fashanu declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, where he could become the Nittany Lions' highest-drafted offensive lineman since 2007. Fashanu announced his decision Friday, when he also reiterated that he will join the team in Atlanta for the Dec. 30 Peach Bowl.
"A year ago I was fortunate to have the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft," Fashanu wrote in a social-media post. "I am forever grateful that I made the decision to come back and compete with my brothers once last time while also graduating."
Fashanu, a fourth-year player and two-year starter, became Penn State football's 41st consensus All-American this season. He earned first-team recognition from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, the Associated Press, Sporting News and the American Football Coaches Association. Fashanu also was named to the Football Writers Association of America's second team.
The Big Ten offensive lineman of the year, Fashanu has not allowed a sack in more than 680 pass-protection snaps over the past two seasons. A team captain, Fashanu also was a finalist for the Campbell Trophy. The three-time Dean's List honoree graduated in December.
Fashanu recently discussed his decision to join the Nittany Lions for the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss. It's unclear how much Fashanu will play in the game. Penn State coach James Franklin has referenced managing workload for players entering the NFL Draft.
"I’m a captain," Fashanu said before announcing his decision. "No matter what decision I make, I made a commitment to this team until the end of the season, and the season’s still not over yet."
Fashanu is a consensus first-round prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. ESPN's Matt Miller projects Fashanu as the first lineman selected in the draft, going at No. 5 overall. That would make him Penn State's highest-drafted offensive lineman since the Arizona Cardinals selected tackle Levi Brown fifth in the 2007 draft. Brown also was the last Penn State offensive lineman selected in the first round.
Fashanu is the the sixth Penn State player to declare for the NFL Draft, joining Chop Robinson, Theo Johnson, Caedan Wallace, Curtis Jacobs and Daequan Hardy. All but Robinson will be in Atlanta for the Peach Bowl.
More Penn State Football
Penn State coach James Franklin hosts a "drama-free" Signing Day
Who to watch from Penn State's 2024 recruiting class
Penn State's 2024 recruiting class by the numbers
Yes, Tom Allen says, Michael Penix Jr. scored vs. Penn State in 2020
Penn State names former Indiana head coach Tom Allen as defensive coordinator
Scouting Tom Allen: the view from Indiana
James Franklin laments college football's "chaotic" December schedule
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki proves a quick fit for Penn State
Nittany Lions captains take the lead in Peach Bowl opt-out decisions
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
