Friday Feature #25: Olaivavega Ioane
Penn State were arguably the most disappointing team of 2025. But it wasn’t for a lack of NFL draft talent. Drew Allar, Kaytron Allen, Nicholas Singleton and Dani Dennis-Sutton should all hear their names called by the beginning of Day 3 when April rolls around. But none of them will have the honour of being the highest drafted Nittany Lion in the 2026 NFL Draft. That falls to the dominating Olaivavega Ioane, who has put together an exceptional 3-year run at the heart of the Penn State offense. Check out my detailed scouting report on Ioane below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Olaivavega Ioane
Year: Redshirt Junior
Size: 6'4, 320 pounds, Hands: 10 1/2", Arms: 32 3/4"(Combine verified)
Position/Scheme Fit: Guard in a pro-spread offensive scheme
Former 3-star recruit out of Graham, Washington. He committed to Penn State in 2022 ahead of both Minnesota and Washington. He had experience in High School on both sides of the ball as a DT and OT. Has also played basketball and rugby. He redshirted in 2022, appearing in 4 games.
In 2023, he was named All-Big Ten honourable mention after appearing in 13 games, making 5 starts. 2024 brought even more success as Ioane was selected All-Big Ten Second Team by the coaches and media. He was also named to the Polynesian Football Player of the Year Award watch list after starting all 16 games at left guard.
For 2025, he had his best year yet, and he received first-team All-America recognition from CBS Sports and On3, along with second-team nods from The Athletic and Sports Illustrated. His excellence was evident even before the season began, as he was named Preseason All-America by six major outlets, including ESPN and The Sporting News. He weighed in at the Combine and completed minimal testing, but looks set to enter the Spring as the best interior offensive lineman in the draft.
Games watched: USC (2024), Oregon (2025), Ohio State (2025), Indiana (2025).
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Very comfortable in space when deployed as a pulling guard. Has even lined up as an H-back, and his multi-sport athleticism shows up in spades. He is a plus athlete who is a fluid mover and can get to the 2nd level and sustain blocks comfortably.
2. Good size and strength to play on the interior. Not the longest player, but he has solid upper-body strength and showed well in the limited Combine drills he did complete.
3. Ioane has been very durable during his college career. Had nearly 1000 snaps in 2024 as the Nittany Lions made it all the way to the CFP, so despite being a redshirt junior, he has the experience of a player more senior.
4. Has started at both guard spots and has even lined up inline as a TE. Teams that value versatile offensive linemen will covet Ioane's skill and football IQ. Moves across the line with relative comfort.
5. Excellent pass protector, who rarely allows any rushers get near his QB. Has not allowed a sack since the beginning of the 2024 season, as he moves his feet well, mirrors rushers, and rarely gives an inch in his technique.
Development Points
1. Prone to being knocked back at times. Plays with a solid base, but can improve his footwork. Gets choppy at times, which causes him to lose balance and give up gap integrity.
2. Grip strength is somewhat inconsistent. Makes good initial contact but can let defenders challenge his technique. He struggled at times vs Ohio State to keep defenders in front of him.
3. Can improve as a run blocker. Solid understanding of angles and moves well, but technique can be inconsistent. Has reps where he throws guys out of the club and others where he struggles to sustain blocks and allows defenders make a play on the ball carrier in short yardage.
4. Does struggle a bit with bendier rushers inside, particularly those that come on delayed blitzes. Pass pro is a major strength, but he does occasionally lose ground to some of the quicker rushers.
5. Missed a little time during his college career. Had a very durable 2024 season, but did miss a game this year vs Iowa and definitely missed some snaps in the games watched as well.
Conclusion
Ioane is the best guard in the 2026 NFL draft class and is among the best overall linemen. He has had a very strong 3 years for the Nittany Lions, improving every year. Ioane is an exceptional pass protector who rarely seems too uncomfortable against a variety of different d-linemen in the Big Ten. He needs a bit of refinement as a run blocker, as he had some tough games this year vs the likes of Ohio State and Indiana. But this is a clear 1st-round lineman and is a better prospect, in my view, than Tyler Booker, who got drafted in the top 15 last year.
Grade: 7.4/9.0 (Top 15 grade)
Player Comp
Jonah Savaiinaea is my closest comp for him as a prospect, although I believe Ioane has a bit more upside than the former Arizona man. From a size perspective, he is reminiscent of the Steelers’ 2025 1st-rounder, Troy Fautanu.
Team Fits
Chiefs, Eagles, Packers, Bills, Raiders