INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Spencer and Logan Fano’s football journey started like many brothers’ adventures, filled with energy in their parents’ backyard.
Pushing, shoving, wrestling, and even boxing became the foundation for their physicality.
From these playful encounters, they grew to understand the essentials of blocking and pass rushing, honing their skills as they competed against each other through pee-wee leagues, Timpview High School, and their last three college seasons at Utah.
As they prepared to take the leap to the NFL, they opted for a joint statement, signaling the possible start of a fierce sibling rivalry.
“Domination — on my part,” Spencer playfully declared when asked about their future matchups during this week’s NFL scouting combine.
Time will tell if he can back up such banter as both brothers took part in the combine, hoping to make a memorable impression on NFL scouts.
Their shared invitation among 319 prospects came as no surprise.
Spencer is a formidable offensive tackle, while Logan is branded as a promising edge rusher. Their bond remains tight, despite Logan spending a season at Brigham Young, where he faced a setback with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. His journey took a positive turn when he announced his transfer to Utah in December 2022, leading to their reunion.
The next day, Spencer also committed to the Utes.
Their choices meant that Logan would challenge one of two tackles anticipated to enter the first round of the upcoming draft, whether it’s Caleb Lomu or his younger brother. The competitive skirmishes that once occurred in their backyard now transitioned to a more serious setting, under the keen observation of Utah’s coaching staff.
Even scouts couldn’t resist asking how those past battles unfolded.
“I think the most off-the-wall question I’ve received from a lot of teams is who would win in a fight?” Logan reflected. “Things get super competitive. It’s fun.”
The Fano brothers aren’t alone in showcasing sibling bonds at the combine this year; three years earlier, identical twins Chase and Sydney Brown captured attention in Indianapolis. This time, the spotlight shines on the Fanos and another set of brothers, the Styles.
Sonny Styles is projected to be among the top linebackers picked in April, while his older brother, Lorenzo Jr. — named after his Super Bowl-winning father — made waves with a blazing 4.27-second 40-yard dash, the fastest by any safety at the combine.
Similar to the Fanos, the Styles brothers experienced a brief separation, with Lorenzo Jr. initially playing two seasons at Notre Dame before transferring to Ohio State in 2023. He recently celebrated a national championship with his younger sibling.
Though the competition on the field and the race to the draft are fierce, the Styles brothers recognize that their shared experiences go beyond those contests.
“We created a lot of different memories together,” Lorenzo Jr. shared. “One that stands out is when I had a kickoff return for a touchdown. Coming to the sideline, he was there for me. Seeing my little brother’s pride in that moment was amazing.”
This brotherly support extends beyond the combine. In Indiana, there was no bigger fan of backup quarterback Alberto Mendoza than his older brother, Fernando, the Heisman Trophy winner.
Another example is Purdue tight end Luke Klare in 2024, whose older brother Max impressed so much that Ohio State invited him to join the program for 2025. Several players at the combine, including Fernando Mendoza and Max Klare, have shared at least one college season with siblings.
The family connection stretches beyond college as well. Caleb Downs, the top-rated safety in the draft class, has his brother Josh playing for the Indianapolis Colts.
“Really, just my brother,” the younger Downs stated about his aspirations to face someone in the NFL.
Both the Downs and the Fanos share a common scenario: one brother on offense and the other on defense, ensuring that neither ever took a play off. Now, both families might face the challenge of deciding which son’s games to attend.
For now, the Fanos relish this moment, reflecting on the unique paths they have forged toward the NFL.
“It was awesome,” Spencer shared about his experience with his older brother in Indy. “He left on Saturday, but being here together made it so special.”
