Olumuyiwa Fashanu – Lineman and Leader

Within the past few years, the world of college football has changed greatly. One of the major ways this is true is due to the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rule changes. Now that players can financially benefit from partnerships with brands and organizations, priorities have changed for many individuals. 

It is perfectly acceptable to dive head-first into this new and exciting aspect of being an athlete. Being the face of a brand is not an opportunity that everyone receives. However, it is refreshing to know that some players haven’t changed in terms of their off-the-field goals. One of these standout athletes is Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu.

Fashanu is known for his work as an offensive lineman. This includes protecting, blocking, and looking out for others on the field (and at 6-foot-6 and 319 pounds, he is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with). 

However, it turns out that outside of the game, his personality isn’t so different.

Fashanu’s early start to volunteering

Before his career as a college player, Fashanu regularly spent time volunteering at a homeless shelter. During high school, he would make time aside from his studies, football, and basketball practices to help out the Father McKenna Center shelter. 

“The homeless shelter, it was right next to the high school that I went to, Gonzaga,” Fashanu stated. “It came back to my freshman year, in our religion class, they just told us about these opportunities to go and volunteer at the homeless shelter. And honestly, I was just thinking like, Why not?”

Many high school students struggle to get all of their regular school work done aside from extracurricular activities. Fashanu makes it look all too easy with his work at the Father McKenna Center, as well as the Knights of Columbus shelter.

“This was after freshman football season ended and like there’s a little grace period before I transitioned over to basketball. And I went over and volunteered, and it was a great time. So then I just continued to do it all four years.”

The generosity continues

Fashanu hasn’t been swept away by college football opportunities. The 20-year-old is staying true to his roots. 

Last year Penn State’s O-line competed in the 2022 Lift for Life fundraiser. This is a signature event of the Penn State Uplifting Athletes chapter where athletes perform to benefit rare disease research.

“Fans and supporters can make a pledge for each repetition the Offensive Line averages of 225-pound bench press. Our goal is to average 19 reps during our Lift for Life competition,” according to the official website.

Several offensive linemen participated, but Fashanu came out on top with the highest amount raised. He was able to raise $2,700 coming in first by almost $1,000.

Fashanu proves to be a level-headed leader

When asked about Fashanu, his coach, James Franklin commented, “We’ve had a ton of respect for Olu really since he stepped on campus. He’s one of those high-production, low-maintenance guys that really does everything right.”

“You talk to the academic people about him, they love him. He’s done everything right since he stepped on campus. You talk to strength and conditioning, the trainers, equipment staff, just Olu is one of those guys. He just goes about his business. He does everything the right way; extremely focused.” 

This isn’t just Franklin being nice, either. Fashanu truly has a hard time taking credit for his own successes. When talking about his accomplishments on the field, he somehow manages to always go back to those who have helped shape him.

“I think I’ve made — at least from last season — I’ve definitely made strides improving, and that’s all thanks to my teammates and (O-line) coach and Coach Franklin for again just believing in me and giving me the proper coaching and just consistently letting me know the things that I need to work on. So, give all credit to them and again for my teammates.“

Fashanu’s kindness and selflessness are not traits that coaches want to overlook for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.