Penn State OL declares for NFL draft, opts out of bowl: ‘Journey of a lifetime’
With numerous analysts projecting him as a first-round NFL draft pick, Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane has declared early for the 2026 NFL Draft and has opted out of this month’s Pinstripe Bowl.
Ioane, a redshirt junior, announced his decision Friday afternoon on X. The move was expected, as Ioane is widely regarded as one of the best interior linemen in this draft class.
“The past four years have been a journey of a lifetime and an unforgettable experience that I couldn’t be more grateful for,” Ioane wrote in a post. “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!”
Ioane has not allowed a sack over the last two seasons and, according to ESPN, he allowed just two pressures this season. He was also an All-Big Ten selection each of the last two years, and he was an honorable mention in 2023.
He helped spring teammate Kaytron Allen to first on the list of all-time Penn State rushing leaders, in addition to helping Nick Singleton secure PSU’s top career spot in rushing touchdowns.
Many of the most recent mock drafts have Ioane projected to go in the first round. The Athletic has him going No. 22 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles, while USA Today went with No. 18 to the Houston Texans and ESPN predicted No. 24 to the Los Angeles Chargers.
He is the fourth Nittany Lion so far to opt out of the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Clemson at noon Dec. 27. Others include Singleton, safety Zakee Wheatley and defensive tackle Zane Durant.
This story was originally published December 12, 2025 at 4:35 PM.
