Utah Sends Five Standouts to NFL Combine With One Shocking Name

Utah football's talent pipeline to the pros remains strong, with five standout Utes earning coveted invites to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

The NFL Scouting Combine is just around the corner, and five Utah Utes are packing their bags for Indianapolis with a shot to elevate their draft stock on one of football’s biggest pre-draft stages. From February 23 to March 2, the annual showcase at Lucas Oil Stadium will give scouts and front offices a close look at some of the most promising prospects in the country-and Utah’s sending a group that’s earned every bit of the spotlight.

Here’s a breakdown of the Utes who’ll be repping Salt Lake City in Indy:


TE Dallen Bentley - Late Bloomer, Big-Time Upside

Dallen Bentley didn’t just arrive in 2025-he broke the door down. After barely seeing the stat sheet in his first two seasons (just three catches for 20 yards), Bentley erupted in his senior year with 48 receptions, 620 yards, and six touchdowns. That production made him Utah’s second-leading receiver and a legitimate threat in the passing game.

Bentley’s breakout culminated in a 100-yard performance against Nebraska in the Las Vegas bowl game-his first career triple-digit outing, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors and was named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, which goes to the nation’s top tight end. At 6'5" with soft hands and a knack for finding space, Bentley’s heading to the Combine with momentum and a lot of eyes on him.


LB Lander Barton - The Heart of Utah’s Defense

Lander Barton leaves Utah as one of the most complete linebackers in program history. Over his career, he piled up 207 tackles, eight sacks, eight pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and five interceptions-two of which he took to the house for touchdowns. Barton even moonlighted on offense in 2025, catching six passes for 44 yards and a touchdown.

A former CFN Freshman All-American and Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year back in 2022, Barton has been a cornerstone for Utah’s defense from the moment he stepped on campus. He’s instinctive, physical, and versatile-traits that translate well to the next level. He’s the kind of linebacker who doesn’t just rack up numbers-he impacts games.


OL Spencer Fano - A Trophy Case That Speaks for Itself

If there was a major award for offensive linemen in 2025, chances are Spencer Fano had his name on it. The former BYU transfer turned Utah anchor up front cleaned up in his final season, winning the Outland Trophy and being named Polynesian Player of the Year. He was a finalist for the Lombardi Award and earned the rare distinction of being a unanimous All-American.

Fano also took home Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and was a First Team All-Big 12 selection. That’s on top of previous honors like a 2024 PFF Midseason All-America nod and CFN Freshman All-America status in 2023.

Beyond the accolades, Fano brought consistency, power, and leadership to the Utes’ offensive line. He’s a technician with a mean streak-and NFL teams love that combo.


OL Caleb Lomu - Rising Star with NFL Tools

Lining up opposite Fano, Caleb Lomu brought balance and punch to Utah’s offensive front. After redshirting in 2023, Lomu stepped in as a starter and never looked back, playing with the kind of poise and polish you don’t often see in a first-year starter.

Lomu was named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List in both 2024 and 2025, and he earned a spot on the Outland Trophy watch list heading into last season. His efforts landed him First Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025, and he was also recognized on Athlon Sports’ preseason All-America fourth team. With ideal size, athleticism, and a growing resume, Lomu’s Combine performance could solidify him as a high-upside prospect with plug-and-play potential.


EDGE Logan Fano - Back on Track and Disruptive as Ever

Logan Fano’s journey hasn’t been the smoothest, but his resilience and raw talent are what make him a compelling prospect. After transferring from BYU, Fano showed flashes of brilliance at Utah, tallying 93 tackles, 10.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and three forced fumbles over three seasons.

Injuries derailed his 2023 campaign and lingered into 2024, but he bounced back strong in 2025. Despite playing in just 10 games, Fano notched a career-high 4.5 sacks and looked like the edge rusher Utah expected him to be.

His burst off the line and ability to bend around tackles make him a dangerous pass rusher when healthy. He was named Second Team All-Big 12 this past season and heads to Indy looking to prove he’s not just back-he’s better than ever.


What It Means for Utah

Sending five players to the Combine is no small feat, and it speaks to the program’s ability to develop talent across the board. From a tight end who blossomed late, to a linebacker who’s been a leader since day one, to bookend tackles anchoring the offensive line, and a pass rusher who battled back from injury-this group reflects the grit and growth that’s become a hallmark of Utah football.

Now, it’s time for the next step. The lights will be bright in Indianapolis, but these five Utes have already shown they’re built for the moment.