Vega Ioane, the standout guard from Penn State, is set to make waves in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. With his impressive performance as a 2025 first-team All-American, the buzz around Ioane is not about if he'll be picked in the first round, but how early.
Brian Baldinger, a seasoned talent evaluator and former NFL lineman, is particularly high on Ioane. Having played for teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, Baldinger knows a thing or two about offensive linemen. His enthusiasm for Ioane is palpable.
“My favorite player in the draft is Ioane; it’s not even close,” Baldinger shared. “Just watch any Penn State game, and you’ll see Ioane, the left guard, creating not just holes but canyons for his team.”
Baldinger’s admiration for Ioane is clear: “We had Tyler Booker and Grey Zabel come out last year, both exceptional players, but this kid is better.”
At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Ioane combines power with agility, a rare blend that has caught the eye of many experts. Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com also praised Ioane during the NFL scouting combine, naming him his favorite offensive lineman in this year’s draft class.
Last year, Tyler Booker was picked by Dallas at No. 12, and Grey Zabel went to Seattle at No. 18. Both made the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie team, yet Baldinger believes Ioane surpasses them.
“He’s going to elevate your team,” Baldinger said of Ioane. “He’ll support your center, bolster your tackle. I can’t stop watching him, man.”
With such high praise from respected analysts, Ioane is poised to be a transformative player for whichever NFL team is lucky enough to draft him.