Penn State’s Vega Ioane Declares for 2026 NFL Draft, Will Skip Pinstripe Bowl
One of Penn State’s most dependable and physically dominant players is heading to the next level. Offensive lineman Vega Ioane officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, announcing he’ll forgo his final year of eligibility and won’t suit up for the Nittany Lions in the upcoming Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson.
Ioane made the announcement on social media, thanking his teammates, coaches, family, and the Penn State community for what he called a “journey of a lifetime.” And while his message was full of gratitude, the decision marks a major shift for the Nittany Lions - they’ll be without one of their most consistent offensive forces when they take the field later this month.
A Rock on the Offensive Line
Ioane’s 2025 season was nothing short of elite. The redshirt junior started all 12 games at left guard, logging 614 offensive snaps - the fourth-highest total on the team.
But it wasn’t just about durability. According to Pro Football Focus, Ioane didn’t allow a single sack all season and gave up just three pressures.
In a conference known for high-level defensive line play, those numbers are eye-popping.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 323 pounds, Ioane was more than just a wall in pass protection. He was a mover in the run game, a tone-setter in the trenches, and a chess piece for offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, who occasionally lined him up in the slot or sent him in motion to create mismatches on the edge. Not exactly your everyday guard.
Ioane’s dominance was recognized across the board. He earned first-team All-America honors from CBS Sports, was voted to the All-Big Ten first team by the media, and landed on the second team according to both the conference coaches and the Associated Press. He was also named one of 10 finalists for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award - a prestigious honor that highlights both performance and heritage.
A Career Built on Consistency and Grit
Over four seasons in Happy Valley, Ioane appeared in 44 games and made 32 starts. His development was steady, and his impact only grew with time. After earning All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2023 and a second-team nod in 2024, he took another leap in 2025, becoming one of the most respected interior linemen in the country.
But what made Ioane stand out wasn’t just his play between the whistles. He became a fan favorite for his versatility and selflessness - and not just on the field.
One of the most memorable moments of his final season came not during a game, but after one. Following Penn State’s road loss to No.
1 Ohio State, Ioane noticed a team staffer struggling to push a heavy equipment cart up a slope. Without hesitation, he hopped a barrier and lent a hand - a moment caught on video and shared widely on social media.
“Simple as one of my teammates, just in a different version,” Ioane said afterward. “A lot of people don’t know who are outside the building - we don’t run without them.
We can’t practice without them. Can’t go to games without them.
Just simple as helping out our teammate.”
That’s the kind of teammate he was. The kind of leader NFL teams are always looking for.
NFL Draft Stock on the Rise
Ioane’s NFL potential has been trending upward throughout the season, and CBS Sports now projects him as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh. His blend of size, intelligence, and positional versatility makes him a valuable asset in today’s league, where interior linemen are asked to do more than just hold the line.
“He’s one of the best guards in the country,” said former offensive line coach Phil Trautwein. “He’s continued to get better.
He’s really working on his pass pro, and I think his run blocking is really good as well. We do all different things with him… motion, shift him, make him a tight end, sixth O-lineman - he’s really smart.
If you ask scouts what they want, they want great players but also smart players, and guys that love ball. Vega is one of those guys.”
From Washington to Happy Valley
Ioane came to Penn State as a three-star recruit out of Graham-Kapowsin High School in Washington, originally committed to the hometown Huskies before a coaching change opened the door for Penn State to swoop in. He signed in February 2022 and quickly earned a reputation as a high-upside lineman with a physical edge and a team-first mindset.
That mindset carried him through four years of growth, leadership, and impact in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. And now, it’s taking him to the NFL.
A Bowl Game Without Its Anchor
With Ioane officially opting out of the Pinstripe Bowl, Penn State will be without a key piece of its offensive identity. He joins defensive tackle Zane Durant, safety Zakee Wheatley, and running back Nick Singleton as confirmed absences for the Dec. 27 matchup against Clemson. Cornerback Elliot Washington II has also entered the transfer portal.
The Nittany Lions will have to rely on their depth and younger talent to fill the void, but replacing a player of Ioane’s caliber - both in skill and leadership - won’t be easy.
A Promise Made, A Promise Kept
In his farewell message, Ioane thanked his family for their unwavering support and referenced a promise he made to them - one he says he’s now fulfilling by making the leap to the NFL.
“To my family, a promise was made and a promise will be kept,” he wrote. “You are my ‘WHY’ and I will never need another reason to keep going.”
Vega Ioane leaves Penn State as one of the most respected offensive linemen in recent program history. And as he sets his sights on the NFL, he does so with a legacy built on toughness, consistency, and character - the kind of player you build a locker room around.