Penn State OL Vega Ioane Opts Out of Pinstripe Bowl

Penn State’s depth continues to dwindle ahead of its bowl game.

Starting left guard Vega Ioane opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson and declared for the NFL draft, he announced on X on Friday. He joins defensive tackle Zane Durant and safety Zakee Wheatley as Nittany Lions who’ve officially opted out. Cornerback Elliot Washington II has also announced his intention to enter the transfer portal when it opens in January, likely meaning he won’t participate as well.

Ioane was viewed as one of Penn State’s top performers this season and was the most consistent presence on the offensive line, which struggled early in the season but improved over time. The move came just hours after it was revealed offensive line coach Phil Trautwein is headed back to his alma mater, Florida.

“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 the 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 is viewed as a likely Day 2 pick, though he’s earned some buzz as a potential late first-rounder. He’s viewed as elite in pass protection and above average in run blocking, and led all Nittany Lions with a 87.3 pass blocking grade this season, per PFF. Ioane allowed just four pressures and no sacks in 2025, after allowing 17 pressures with no sacks last season.

He also went viral for helping an equipment manager push a cart up the tunnel at Ohio Stadium following a particularly disappointing 38-14 loss to the Buckeyes, gaining praise for his character.