Penn State Nittany Lions Star Joins Lamar Jackson in First Round

Penn State Nittany Lions star Vega Ioane is one of the top interior offensive linemen in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

In The Athletic's latest mock draft, they have Ioane joining Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens with the 14th overall pick.

The Ravens could use some help on the interior offensive line to better protect Jackson. Ioane would instantly slot in at guard for Baltimore and improve their rushing attack with Jackson and Derrick Henry while giving Jackson more time to deliver downfield.

It wouldn't be an exciting pick, but it would be a much-needed upgrade for the Ravens. 

Jackson, the two-time MVP, completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 349 yards and two touchdowns in the 13 games he played in 2025.

Henry had a good season, rushing for 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns. Improving the offensive line with a player of Ioane's caliber would only elevate the talent of Jackson and Henry.

Baltimore missed the playoffs in the 2025 season and needs to maximize adding talent around their superstar, Jackson.

Ioane will be a tough loss for Penn State, as he was one of their few bright spots in the 2025 season. He was a quality starter on the offensive line, solidifying his place as a top interior offensive lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Nittany Lions entered the year expected to be in the mix to win the National Championship.

However, Penn State struggled, missing out on the College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions fired longtime head coach James Franklin midseason. They hired Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell to replace Franklin.

Campbell is tasked with turning the program around and getting them back to the College Football Playoff. He was able to land many talented players in the transfer portal, including many players following him from Iowa State.

While Campbell looks to turn the Nittany Lions around, Ioane will be trying to make an impact at the NFL level on a team like the Ravens.

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