In Fautanu's first season in 2019 he redshirted and did not appear in any games. During the 2020 season, Fautanu appeared in four games.[5] During the 2021 season, Fautanu would play in nine games, starting in three of them.[6]
Fautanu had a breakout 2022 season, where he started all 13 games.[7] In week three of the 2022 season versus Michigan State, Fautanu was named the Pac-12 offensive lineman of the week.[8] For his performance in the season, Fautanu was named second-team all Pac-12.[9]
Fautanu was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.[15] He signed his four year rookie deal on June 3, 2024.[16]
Fautanu signing autographs during Steelers training camp in 2024
During the Steelers' preseason game against the Houston Texans, Fautanu sustained a knee injury, causing him to miss the remainder of the team's preseason.[17] He would not appear in week 1, however, he would earn his first professional start the following week in a 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos.[18] In his first start he allowed no sacks, committed no penalties and allowed no pressures as he played for 55 offensive snaps.[19]
On September 20, Fautanu left the Steelers' practice with an injury that required him to undergo an MRI. He was relieved by Broderick Jones at the right tackle position for the remainder of the practice ahead of the team's week 3 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.[20] On September 21, Fautanu was placed on the Steelers' injured reserve list, making him ineligible to play for four weeks. He was officially listed as inactive prior to the Steelers week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.[21] It was revealed on September 23 that Fautanu had dislocated his kneecap, officially ending his rookie season.[22]
In total, Fautanu played in just one game as a rookie. Overall, Fautanu earned a PFF grade of 64.4 with a pass blocking grade of 63.9 and a run blocking grade of 59.3. Despite his shortened season, he still placed 56 out of 133 eligible offensive tackles in the league for his performance.[23]
2025 season
With the release of the Steelers' official depth chart, Fauntanu was named the team's starting right tackle for the 2025 season.[24] Fautanu made his first start of the season, as well as his second professional start overall, in the Steelers' Week 1 34-32 win over the New York Jets. [25]
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