The Penn State Nittany Lions are projected to have one standout in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to one draft analyst.

As we enter the heat of the 2025 college football season, the hype surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft continues to grow with the midpoint of the season just around the corner.

Luckily for Penn State Nittany Lions’ fans, the program is projected to have one of the team’s current stars in first-round conversations as the big day slowly approaches.

NFL Draft analyst Trevor Sikkema released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, with the Los Angeles Chargers selecting Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane with the No. 26 pick.

“The one they call ‘Vega’ has been having a fantastic season on Penn State’s interior offensive line in 2025,” Sikkema wrote. “At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, he’s earned a 76.0 run-blocking grade and a very impressive 92.0 pass-blocking grade. His handwork has really stood out this year. He can dictate contact with a quick and impactful first punch and is also a natural at resetting his hands after pass-rushers attempt to break his grip. He’s been putting out starting-caliber NFL tape.”

The former three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting cycle has been a key piece of the Nittany Lions’ offensive line over the past three seasons.

In his 874 pass snaps with Penn State, Ioane has allowed just four quarterback hits and three sacks. His impressive play over the course of his three years as a starter has been perfect for the program’s offensive efforts, as he’s quickly become one of the best offensive linemen in college football.

For the Chargers, it’s obvious that the well-established organization needs additional help on the offensive line. Despite selecting left tackle Joe Alt in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and signing offensive guard Mekhi Bechton this offseason, Los Angeles has dealt with its fair share of injuries amongst the men up front. With Ioane’s experience playing both left and right guard, the Chargers could play him on either side of the interior offensive line and give quarterback Justin Herbert extra protection.

In addition to head coach Jim Harbaugh and Los Angeles being a potential fit for Ioane, there are multiple teams that could be in the mix for the star linemen come draft day. This includes the Cleveland Browns, who hold the rights to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2026 first-round pick. General manager Andrew Berry did an excellent job of acquiring weapons in the 2025 draft, but did not make any moves to find an offensive lineman.

If Ioane continues his outstanding play for the rest of the 2025 season, the redshirt junior could easily solidify himself as a first-round lock in the 2026 Draft. He currently holds a PFF pass blocking grade of 90.2, which ranks fourth amongst all qualifying offensive guards in the FBS. And with Ioane showing signs of improvement every season, it’s clear that NFL teams will be interested in his terrific skill set.