As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Penn State football is making its presence felt, with several Nittany Lions poised to hear their names called. With the draft set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, the buzz is building, especially after the recent Scouting Combine and ahead of Penn State's Pro Day on March 18.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released its latest mock draft, forecasting the first three rounds and featuring five Penn State players. Leading the charge is offensive lineman Vega Ioane, projected to go in the first round to the Los Angeles Chargers at Pick 22.
The Chargers, who struggled with injuries and performance on their offensive line last season, could find Ioane's skill set invaluable. With no sacks or hits allowed in 311 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, Ioane's consistency and strength make him a standout.
His accolades include first-team All-Big Ten honors and second-team All-American recognition, and at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, he promises to be a formidable presence.
On the defensive side, Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton is projected to join the Philadelphia Eagles as the 68th pick in the third round. Dennis-Sutton wrapped up his college career with a strong finish, tallying 6.5 sacks in his final five games, including a standout performance against Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. His versatility and impressive record of 23.5 career sacks make him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme.
Safety Zakee Wheatley is another key player expected to make waves, projected to go to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Pick 76. Wheatley, who transitioned from cornerback to safety, was a consistent force for Penn State, leading the team with an 85.9 defensive grade from PFF. His ability to cover ground and make impactful plays, as evidenced by his 11 career takeaways, makes him a strong addition to any secondary.
Quarterback Drew Allar, despite an injury-shortened senior season, is anticipated to be picked by the Los Angeles Rams at 93rd overall. Known for his physical attributes and potential, Allar's college career was marked by impressive stats, including a school-record pass completion percentage of 63.1%. Learning under a veteran like Matthew Stafford could provide the perfect environment for Allar to develop his skills further.
Rounding out the Penn State prospects is running back Nick Singleton, projected to join the Seattle Seahawks at Pick 96. Singleton, who holds Penn State records for touchdowns and all-purpose yards, brings a dynamic edge to the field. Although sidelined by a foot injury during the Senior Bowl prep, his past performances, including two 1,000-yard seasons, highlight his potential to make an impact at the next level.
If these projections hold, Penn State could see a record number of players drafted in the first three rounds since 2003, underscoring the program's strength and the caliber of talent it continues to produce.