Penn State star OT Olu Fashanu announces he will return to Nittany Lions for 2023 season

One of Penn State’s best players will be returning for the 2023 season.

Offensive tackle Olu Fashanu announced his decision to return to the Nittany Lions instead of declaring for the NFL Draft Monday evening.

“For the last three years, I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to be around a group of extremely hardworking individuals,” Fashanu’s statement read. “Everyone in this program has pushed me to become a better football player, and more importantly, a better man. Having the opportunity to play in Beaver Stadium in front of the best fans in the world this past year has been great and I will never forget the moments that were created with this team this season. Although playing in the NFL is a goal of mine, there is still more that I want to achieve personally and collectively as a program. After several conversations with my parents and coaches, I will be returning to Penn State for the 2023 season.”

Fashanu was rising up draft projections, with some having him as a top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, the 19-year-old offensive tackle will return for another season at Penn State where he will anchor the offensive line at left tackle. His return will be even more important for the Nittany Lions because of who will be behind him.

Drew Allar is set to start at quarterback next season if all goes well and will no longer have to worry about his blindside with Fashanu protecting it.

The star left tackle is the second Nittany Lion to announce his return after fellow offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad announced earlier in November that he would also be coming back.

Fashanu has missed the last four games of this season, but could return in time for the bowl game in over a month.