Vega Ioane will almost certainly continue to be the leader of Penn State's O-line in his final season this fall.
Olaivevega Ioane is perhaps one of the most special talents that you don't often hear about in the Penn State offense. Only a three star recruit in 2022, Ioane has carved a role for himself that makes him one of Penn State,s most invaluable O-line members. After starting all 16 games at left guard, some involving some incredible viral moments, Penn State fans can't wait to see what the big man has for an encore in his last year in Happy Valley. Here's how Ioane's 2025 could look.
2024 in Review
Ioane almost definitely cemented himself as one of if not the best O-linemen not just for Penn State, but in the entire nation. On PFF, Ioane graded out as the best O-linemen for Penn State in both run-blocking and pass-blocking categories. In just 207 pass-blocking, he only allowed 3 pressures. To top it all off, he probably had the most viral moment for an O-lineman last season when he had a stunner of a pancake block against UCLA that was all over Twitter.
Penn State lineman Olaivavega Ioane delivered a pulverizing double-pancake block on a UCLA defender https://t.co/jy2f0uI6Bzpic.twitter.com/PL2bdJ466M
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) October 5, 2024
Most importantly, Ioane displayed all the traits that made college scouts immediately fall in love in him and that will have NFL scouts taking a second look at him. Prepare for another special season for the big man from Washington.
Biggest Question for 2025
Is Vega Ioane the best offensive lineman that Penn State has to offer? If so, then perhaps he also has the best chance of being a late first-rounder for the Nittany Lions. When scouts discuss Vega Ioane, they discuss a guy who is seemingly ready for the NFL level. His blend of size, speed and power at the guard spot are some of the best you can find on tape. His communication levels allow him to adjust effectively and leads to solid reactionary plays. Most importantly, he moves well for a guy over 330 pounds, crucial to holding in a very rigorous NFL setting. The only thing that remains to be determined for Ioane is how high he can rise or how low he can fall. If his 2025 tape doesn't jump out, then perhaps scouts will be focusing on talents such as Fano and Mauigoa a bit more. Continue to play to his elite 2024 levels though, and anything is possible for Vega.
2025 will be a success if...
Vega Ioane continues to be Penn State's best O-lineman and is one of the first three O-lineman taken off the board next April. While some of his own teammate will challenge him for that honors, there is no question that Ioane will be expected to emerge as the first one from the program taken. If he just proves to everyone that 2024 was no fluke and that's he willing to fine tune his game enough so that the transition to the NFL is as smooth as possible, then he certainly will have the status of a first-rounder. Do it in a championship season, and NFL scouts will be doing double takes as to who could emerge as the first O-lineman off the board altogether. Ioane is that talented and that impressive. Hopefully, doing it for one more year with the Nittany Lions will further prove that point.
2025 will be a disappointment if..
Ioane is not the leader Penn State fans expect him to be, the entire O-line crumbles as a result, and Ioane regresses mightily and is the core reason for the O-line's failings. While not always true, some traits that pop out on tape and in live action can slowly go away. Ioane certainly doesn't seem like a player who would let that happen, but as someone who will be intensely scouted, it could be a lot of pressure for someone who has only one full season along the line under his belt. Also, Penn State's potential run to a championship will be a huge factor as well. Not just stress from the pressure, but fatigue could set in, which could see Ioane not play up to standard. If this becomes a trend in 2025, chances are Ioane's chances of being a first rounder could slip away as quickly as if he were still a first round talent.
Realistic Outlook for 2025
If all goes well, Ioane will continue to be a scouting darling and will be a vocal leader on one of the best O-lines in the country. If he can compile a 16 or even 17 game season similar to last year, his first round chances will exponentially rise. Seeing as to how not only will he be heavily scouted, but several of his teammates as well, Ioane won't feel as singled out and will play just as calm and composed as he ever has. Look for another stellar pass-blocking season from the interior and an improvement from him in the run blocking aspect of his game. Most importantly, look for Ioane to continue to be uninhibited and ready to run through a brick wall.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Previewing Vega Ioane's 2025 Season
Category: General Sports
