From a three-star prospect to a first-round NFL selection

History · Published 6 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Troy Fautanu’s journey from a high school prospect ranked 59th in the country to a starting NFL offensive tackle is a testament to steady progression. After a breakout year at Washington, he transitioned from a lifelong Steelers fan to a professional cornerstone in Pittsburgh.

Born in Henderson, Nevada, on October 11, 2000, Fautanu’s path to the professional ranks was not instantaneous. Entering college as a three-star prospect, he was rated as the 59th offensive tackle in the nation. His tenure with the Washington Huskies was defined by gradual development: he redshirted in 2019, appeared in four games in 2020, and played nine games in 2021, starting only three of them.

The momentum shifted significantly during his 2022 season, when he started all 13 games and earned second-team all Pac-12 honors. This set the stage for a dominant 2023 campaign. That year, Fautanu was recognized as the Pac-12's top offensive lineman, winning the Morris Trophy, and helped the Huskies reach the National Championship, where they ultimately fell 34-13 to the Michigan Wolverines.

After excelling in college, he was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers at number 20 during the 2024 NFL draft's first round. While his rookie season was largely cut short by a dislocated kneecap, his performance in his single professional appearance—a 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos—was flawless, recording no sacks, penalties, or pressures over 55 snaps. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Fautanu has been named the team's starting right tackle.

Fautanu's connection to the Steelers is deeply personal; a lifelong fan, he grew up admiring the team's culture. He has cited the influence of Troy Polamalu's playing style and attitude as a significant inspiration for his own approach to the game.

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