With numerous analysts projecting him as a first-round NFL draft pick, Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane has declared early for the 2026 NFL Draft and has opted out of this month’s Pinstripe Bowl.

Zakee Wheatley waited his turn to become an impact defender in Penn State’s program. The wait was worth it. Wheatley, a fifth-year player who made 28 starts at safety the last two seasons, took to social media on Wednesday to thank Penn State’s fans, his family and his coaches as he begins preparations for the 2026 NFL draft.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is one example, as his draft stock has skyrocketed to become a potential first-round pick in 2026. But among the other 2025 Heisman Trophy finalists, there's a more intriguing quarterback name in draft conversations: Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia.

Penn State guard Vega Ioane is leaving the Nittany Lions before the team’s bowl game and declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Washington native is a potential All-American and possible first-round pick after four seasons in State College.

With the help of Phil Trautwein, Vega Ioane went from last-minute signing day addition to Penn State All-American.

Nicholas Singleton is an explosive athlete and ball carrier who checks the physical boxes to develop into a dynamic three-down playmaker at the next level.

Gator Country can confirm that Phil Trautwein is joining Florida’s staff as its offensive line coach. A former Gators’ offensive lineman from 2004-08, Trautwein spent the last six seasons as Penn State’s offensive line coach. Prior to his time with the Nittany Lions, Trautwein served as Boston College’s offensive line coach from 2018-19.

Former Governor Mifflin standout, and current Penn State running back, Nick Singleton, will be opting out of the Pinstripe Bowl as first reported by Rich Scarcella.

Shedeur Sanders has turned heads at times during his rookie season, but he may not be the franchise quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.

Although Penn State's 2025 season disintegrated, exposing structural flaws across nine chaotic weeks, its NFL pipeline remains intact. In 2026, the Nittany Lions are positioned to dispatch one of their largest draft classes in a decade—a group heavy with first-round traits,