340-Pound AAPI Tackle Pegged for First-Round of NFL Draft
By James Moreau | 22 Apr, 2026

After a junior season with zero sacks allowed, Samoan Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State has established himself as a premier interior lineman in the NFL draft.

Olaivavega Ioane enters the NFL Draft cycle as a premier offensive line prospect, with most mock drafts placing him as a mid-first-round selection.  At 6’4” and 320 pounds, the Penn State standout has become a focal point for scouts seeking elite power at the guard position.  This physical presence was further validated at the NFL Combine, where he measured in with the second-largest hands of any offensive lineman in attendance.

Known to teammates as “Vega,” Ioane became a full-time starter for the Nittany Lions in 2024.  That season, he earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors while anchoring a line that produced the fifth-most rushing yards among Power 5 programs on the way to a CFP Semifinal appearance.  

This past season, the Samoan powerhouse was named a First-team All-American, showcasing his ability to protect the pocket without surrendering a single sack in 311 pass-blocking snaps.

Following a standout junior year, Vega elected to forgo his final season of eligibility and declare for the draft. 

The Polynesian is a native of Graham, Washington where he led Graham-Kapowsin High School to an undefeated state title.  He was named a three-star recruit and briefly committed to the University of Washington before ultimately flipping to Penn State.

The 2026 NFL Draft commences on April 23rd.  Expect Ioane to be taken off the board quickly as teams look to immediately jumpstart their offensive line production.