Blind Side Trust – How Olu Fashanu has emerged as Penn State’s leader

Ohio State week is specially marked on the calendar of many Nittany Lion and Buckeye fans, but for Olu Fashanu, it’s the chance to face the team he suffered a season-ending injury against one year ago.

Following spring practice, the senior was named a team captain for the Nittany Lions and has served as a leader in the early stages of the season and helped progress the team’s younger lineman.

The buzz around Fashanu’s name hasn’t dwindled since it was placed on preseason award watch lists — most recently he’s been included on the 2023 college football Midseason All-American team.

Four years ago, the left tackle entered Happy Valley as a three-star recruit, but at 6-6 and 317 pounds, he emerged and developed as the anchor of the offensive line.

Fashanu’s decision to not enter the 2023 NFL draft provided him a chance to return under the new quarterback leadership of sophomore Drew Allar.

Their relationship began playing video games during downtime before Penn State’s Rose Bowl victory. Hours on end of FIFA with Fashanu sporting the Netherlands and Allar, France, allowed the two to develop a bond that didn’t previously exist.

“That guy’s a competitor, he hates to lose, and that’s someone you want leading your offense,” Fashanu said. “A guy that’s willing to do anything to will his team to a victory, and honestly, Drew hasn’t surprised me too much.”

Blindside trust flourished throughout training camp as Fashanu’s vocalness as a captain reached teammates all over the depth chart.

Penn State’s ability to defeat opponents up to this point by wide margins of victory has allowed the twos and threes of the roster to receive in-game reps and give Fashanu time off the field. He feels “great,” but his mindset remains uncomplacent.

The foundation of the Nittany Lion program focuses on getting better every week, and Ohio State will provide them with their toughest test of the season in Columbus.

“I have complete confidence in the world in all my guys, and we know the challenge that we have ahead for this week, so we’re completely prepared,” Fashanu said.

Uplifting teammates in confidence and also literally proves how supportive Fashanu has been as a team captain. After a touchdown is scored, he’s right there to celebrate and lift players into the air to commemorate the feat.

“We have each other’s backs, no matter what, and we’re never going to get down on each other,” Allar said. “We’re always going to uplift each other.”

That belief throughout the entire offense has correlated to success and long-methodical drives that led to Penn State’s 6-0 record.

These looming high-profile matchups were bound to be scheduled and “come with the opportunity” to return, but it wasn’t necessarily Fashanu’s driving indicator.

“[It’s] just an opportunity to suit up with my guys and for me to graduate,” Fashanu said.

With a 3.45 GPA studying supply chain and information management, he was named as a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy, which is awarded to college football’s premier scholar-athlete.

His reliability on and off the field and outside football has made him well-rounded. While yes, Fashanu’s returning from an injury that cut his 2022 season short, his 2023 impact is simply bigger than football.

Amanda Vogt is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amandaevogt@gmail.com.