Taio Fano leaning on family, competition as recruitment continues to grow
Sep 18, 2026, 12:23 PM
Taio Fano preparing for matchup. Photo courtesy by Bingham Fano.
SALT LAKE CITY — Orem blue-chip offensive tackle Taio Fano has plenty of time to think about recruiting.
The 2028 four-star prospect already has some of college football’s biggest programs pursuing him. He has watched his older brothers Spencer and Logan navigate high-profile recruitments, leave a lasting legacy at the University of Utah and eventually reach the NFL.
As one of the top offensive linemen in the 2028 class, Fano appears to be on a similar trajectory.
But five games into his junior season, his focus remains on making sure the attention surrounding him doesn’t become bigger than the work that created it.
“I think for me, it’s about just putting my head down and keep doing what got me to this point is my thing,” Fano said. “And having good teammates that I get to go against in practice to keep us both humble and ready to get better.”
Competition has accelerated Taio Fano’s development
The competition Fano sees in practice has carried over into a demanding schedule for Orem this fall.
The Tigers are 3-2 overall and 2-0 in Region 7 after facing Skyridge and California power Mater Dei in non-region play. Orem lost those two games by a combined 13 points before responding with region wins over Springville and Spanish Fork by a combined score of 90-14.
Even with Orem competing among the state’s top teams and his recruiting profile continuing to rise, Fano sees plenty of room to improve.
“The biggest area I need to improve on is my weight,” Fano said. “That’s definitely the biggest thing.”
He doesn’t have to look far to find competition capable of exposing those areas. Fano pointed specifically to his experience going against players such as Jag Ioane and Krew Jones.
“I definitely think that the people you go against in practice are a huge factor on your growth,” Fano said. “I have been lucky to go against who I think is one of, if not the top end in our state, Jag Ioane, all growing up and to this day.
“Plus Juni Moala from last year, as well as Krew Jones and Major Stokes, as you know, this year. So yes, competition in practice is one of the biggest things that has driven my development.”
Ioane and Jones have combined for 11 sacks through five games this season, giving Fano another significant test during the week before Orem ever reaches Friday night.
That environment has helped shape the mentality he wants to maintain as his profile continues to grow.
Spencer and Logan provide a blueprint
Few prospects have access to a better resource for navigating what comes next.
Spencer and Logan Fano have already experienced many of the decisions Taio will eventually face. Both went through major recruitments, played college football at a high level and have since reached the NFL.
But their impact on their younger brother extends well beyond football.
“I could go forever on what and how much they have helped me as a player and person,” Fano said. “But for me right now, the biggest thing is taking recruitment slowly and to not worry too much about it, and eventually take my decision to my Heavenly Father.”
Rather than feeling pressure to make an early decision, Fano is comfortable taking his time, gathering information and getting to know coaches.
His brothers have provided a blueprint for navigating the process, but not a decision he feels obligated to follow.
Relationships will shape Fano’s recruitment
Utah, Michigan, BYU, Alabama, Ohio State and Miami are among the programs involved with Fano, giving him an early look at several approaches to developing offensive linemen.
The blue-chipper visited BYU last weekend to take in the Arizona matchup. He’ll be visiting Utah this weekend for the Battle of the Brothers game. Then, he and his family will be flying out to Ann Arbor next week to watch Michigan take on Iowa. He’ll eventually return to BYU and Utah for additional visits, including the Holy War at Rice-Eccles.
Those visits will all be valuable experiences for Fano. However, the biggest separator won’t be based on those experiences. It’s the connection he builds with the people inside it.
“I don’t know about all schools, but from the ones I have been able to visit and see for myself, they all produce and develop O-linemen incredibly well,” Fano said. “The differences, in my opinion, is how the coaches connect with me and the other players on that team.
“I believe a good relationship with my coach is the biggest factor.”
Culture sits at the top of his list when evaluating schools, followed by his connection with the offensive line coach and head coach. Fano also wants to feel comfortable with the school and the place he will call home.
“The main things that will drive me to a school is first the culture,” Fano said. “Then my relationship with my O-line coach and the head coach, then if I can live in the state and school.”
Those priorities help explain why Utah and Michigan occupy unique places early in the process.
Fano has longstanding connections with Michigan coaches Jim Harding and Lewis Powell, while he is also familiar with Utah’s staff and continues to build a relationship with offensive line coach Jordan Gross. At the same time, he has developed strong connections with coaches at several other programs.
“I am very blessed to have the connection I have with Utah and the majority of the Michigan coaches,” Fano said. “But I have already made great relationships with other coaches from a lot of other schools, so to me it is just something I get to use to compare to everything that I see in the recruitment process.”
Fano still has considerable time to improve as a player, learn more about the programs pursuing him and determine where he ultimately fits best.
For now, the priority remains the work that put him in this position.
