Penn State guard Vega Ioane to skip bowl game, declare for 2026 NFL Draft

Penn State guard Vega Ioane is leaving the Nittany Lions before the team’s bowl game and declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Washington native is a potential All-American and possible first-round pick after four seasons in State College. He did leave one year of collegiate eligibility on the table.

“The past four years have been a journey of a lifetime and an unforgettable experience that I couldn’t be more grateful for,” Ioane posted on social media. “This Family and Football program that took me in has helped shape me into the man I am today and for that an expression of gratitude will never be enough!”

“To my brothers past and present, only we know what it’s been like to go through it all, the good and the bad. I wouldn’t choose a better group of guys to do it with, I will forever cherish those moments and memories. Thank you all for being a part of my journey.

“To Coach Franklin and the entire support staff, Thank you for everything behind the scenes and the relationships we’ve built throughout my time here, no one knows the amount of work being put in but I will always express my thankfulness to you for it all.

“To Coach Trautwein, an incredible coach, role model and a great leader of men. I can’t thank you enough for taking a chance on a kid from the other side of the country, pouring countless hours on and off the field into me becoming not only a good player but a good man. You have set the standard high.
To my family, a promise was made and a promise will be kept. Thank you always for the unconditional love and support from near and far. You are my “WHY” and I will never need another reason to keep going. With that being said, I will be opting out of the bowl game and… I WILL BE DECLARING FOR THE 2026 NFL DRAFT.”

Ioane had a fantastic final season at Penn State. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the No. 12 blocker in the country, regardless of position, among offensive linemen who have played at least 20 percent of 702 snaps. The outlet also ranks him as the No. 8 guard. Ioane played 614 snaps this season. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick in 2023. And, in 2024, he earned second-team all-conference honors from the coaches and the media. Ioane started 28 games over the last two seasons. And, he started 32 total in blue and white.

“I think he’s one of the best guards in the country,” Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein said. “He continues to get better, is really working on his pass pro, and I think his run blocking is really good. Scouts want great players and also smart players who loves ball. Vega is one of those guys. His story is really cool. It’s incredible. And that’s just the type of kid he is, and that’s the type of kid we have in this program. They understand the big picture. It’s cool that he’s doing what he’s doing and getting better every single week.”

Will Vega Ioane be a first-round pick?

ESPN’s analyst Matt Miller’s latest mock draft has Ioane going at No. 16 to Houston.

“The way Houston decided to remake its offensive line this past offseason was met with criticism around the league,” Miller writes. “The effort didn’t seem adequate in protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has missed two games because of injury this season. The Texans need to hit on their OL rebuild and could use another early draft pick up front after selecting tackle Aireontae Ersery in the second round in 2025. Ioane is the best interior lineman in this class, locking down Penn State’s left guard spot for most of the past three seasons. At 6-4 and 330 pounds, he is a mauler who uses his leverage to clear rushing lanes and hasn’t allowed a sack all season.”