2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Penn State’s OG Olaivavega Ioane

Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane has vaulted into the upper tier of the 2026 NFL Draft class as one of the most physically dominant interior linemen in college football. After declaring for the draft and opting out of the Pinstripe Bowl to prepare for the next level, Ioane leaves a decorated collegiate career that includes first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 and multiple All-Conference accolades that reflect both his production and consistency in the trenches.  

The 6-foot-4, 330-pound guard from Graham, Washington, arrived at Penn State as a three-star recruit and steadily developed into one of the most reliable blockers on an offensive line loaded with talent. After contributing sparingly early in his career, Ioane seized a starting role in 2024 and never looked back, starting 16 games that season and cementing himself as a foundation piece on the Nittany Lions’ offensive front.  

What sets Ioane apart is his blend of elite strength and situational awareness that translates seamlessly to the professional level. In the run game, he shows violent hands and drive blocking that open creases at the point of attack, consistently creating movement in gap schemes and finishing blocks with sustained leverage. His play strength allows him to dominate defenders at the second level, making him a difficult match-up for interior defensive linemen.  

As a pass protector, Ioane is equally impressive. Scouts consistently grade him as one of the better interior blockers in the class due to his patience in pass sets, balance, and ability to absorb power without sacrificing positioning. Once he latches on, defenders often struggle to disengage, helping to keep quarterbacks clean and buy time for developing plays. His understanding of blitz pickups and stunts also highlights his football IQ and ability to execute complex blocking assignments.  

Beyond pure physical traits, Ioane’s versatility has also boosted his draft profile. While primarily a left guard, Penn State’s coaching staff has moved him in motion and in tight sets, showcasing his ability to handle different blocking angles and responsibilities. That flexibility appeals to NFL teams, especially those with gap-and-power schemes or those that value linemen who can play multiple roles.  

Strengths

Powerful Run Blocking

Ioane consistently opens lanes with violent hand placement and leverage, creating rushing opportunities across multiple schemes.  

Pass Protection Anchor

Patient, balanced, and technically sound in pass sets, Ioane’s strength makes him difficult to dislodge.  

Draft Stock and Recognition

First-team All-Big Ten honors reinforce his status as a top interior lineman.  

Versatility and Football IQ

Comfortable executing combo blocks, identifying stunts, and communicating adjustments pre-snap.  

Consistency and Durability

Started the majority of games in 2024 and 2025, showcasing availability and dependability.  

Weaknesses

Elite Athleticism

While strong, Ioane isn’t a rare athlete relative to the most explosive linemen in the class, a factor NFL teams will measure at the Combine.

Hand Timing vs. Advanced Rushers

Some evaluators note room for refinement in hand timing when encountering elite interior edge pressure. 

Positional Projection

Although a stalwart guard, some teams may explore him at multiple interior positions, creating evaluation variance. 

Adjustment to NFL Speed

Transitioning from college to pro defensive speed will be a key area of pre-draft focus. 

Conclusion

Vega Ioane’s journey from a three-star recruit to one of the most consistent interior offensive linemen in college football underscores his work ethic, physical development, and technical mastery. His combination of power blocking, pass protection reliability, and All-Conference production makes him one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.  

Draft Nation currently projects Ioane as a Day 2 selection, with potential to be one of the first interior linemen off the board. In pro schemes that value physicality and consistency, Ioane has the traits to become an immediate starter and a cornerstone of an NFL offensive front.