Harold Fannin Jr. grew up in Canton, Ohio and attended McKinley High School where he was named first-team All-Ohio as a senior at defensive back after making 106 tackles with two interceptions, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns. Fannin was also named All-Federal League selection on offense after catching 36 passes for 601 yards and six touchdowns. Fannin committed to play college football at Bowling Green University.
The tight end caught 19 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown during his freshman campaign. He was named first-team All-Mid-American Conference at the end of his sophomore season after finishing the year with 44 receptions for 623 yards and six touchdowns.
Heading into 2024, he was named to the preseason John Mackey Award watchlist. Fannin had a record breaking season in 2024 for Bowling Green. In 13 games, he hauled in 117 receptions for 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns. The yards and receptions are the most ever by a tight end in NCAA history.