Vega Ioane heard the roar from the home crowd and immediately thought they were celebrating a Penn State touchdown run by his teammate, running back Kaytron Allen.

What he did not realize: Allen’s run had only gone for eight yards and that raucous cheer in the second quarter of an October 2024 game inside Beaver Stadium was actually for him.

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Because what UCLA defensive end Luke Schuermann found out is that Ioane is good enough to make that kind of impact without the football in his hands. Video of the play went viral on social media, welcoming Ioane to the big time after he lined up in the left slot – all 6-foot-4, 320 pounds of him – motioning across the formation to the right where he met Schuermann before delivering not one but two pancakes on the same blocking assignment.

That breakout moment set the stage for a journey in which he developed into one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, and two years later, Ioane is a potential target for many teams, the New York Giants included, as the scouting community converges on the Penn State campus for Wednesday’s Pro Day workouts.

“Vega Ioane has a legit argument to be the best offensive line prospect in this draft class,” The Athletic draft analyst Dane Brugler told NorthJersey.com and The Record last month. “It’s the tape, the traits and the football character that makes him special.”

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart points after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart points after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants president John Mara general manager Joe Schoen, Jaxson Dart, and head coach Brian Daboll pose for photos prior to the start of the press conference to introduce the Giants first round draft picks in East Rutherford on April 25.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Jaxson Dart

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (QB03) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) throws the ball during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) throws the ball on the run during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) walks on the field against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Jaxson Dart

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft picks, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart interact after posing for photos prior to the start of the press conference. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart meets reporters in East Rutherford, NJ.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft pick, Jaxson Dart, takes questions from the media during his introduction press conference.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft picks, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart pose for photos prior to the start of the press conference. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

25. Jaxson Dart, QB, NY Giants

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Aug 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) following the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 14: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants speaks with his parents during pregame warm ups prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on during warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart talks at his locker following Friday’s practice.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Sep 7, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) enters the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants looks on prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 28, 2025.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium, Sep 28, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) and running back Cam Skattebo, right, talk before the game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Nov. 16, 2025.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart looks on before opening kick off against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 21: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants and Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots talk after the second half of a NFL Preseason 2025 game between New England Patriots and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Oct 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles of the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) gets ready for the offense to take the field during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants walks off the field after an injury during the fourth quarter in the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants hands off to Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half in the game during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 28, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Week 10: New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Giants wore throwback uniforms from the team’s look during the 1980s and ’90s in the 24-20 loss.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks to throw a pass during a week 9 game between New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks on after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) enters the field prior to the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks for an open teammate, Sunday, December 14, 2025.

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Giants QB Jaxson Dart, from SoCal to the Deep South to the Big Apple

Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) talks with interim head coach Mike Kafka during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Ioane used to sneak out of his house to play high school football on Friday nights, keeping the secret from his parents who were fearful of allowing him to participate. Now he’s ready to be an NFL star, maybe for the Giants, who have shown considerable interest in the Penn State guard, a sure-fire first-round draft pick whose presence in the Top 10 could wind up being felt between now and the April 23 festivities in Pittsburgh.

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“Took them, probably, three games to figure it out,” Ioane recalled at the Combine last month in Indianapolis, flashing a smile. “And now they love football.”

Ioane is considered as one of the top offensive line prospects in this class. His movement skills on the interior are exceptional, and he’s coming off a final season at Penn State where he did not allow a single sack and only gave up four total pressures, good for a 1.3 percent pressure rate.

He’s also a force in the run game, both at the point of attack and out in space, using his technique and athleticism to his advantage.

“Very good athlete, he does a good job of playing in a phone booth and in tight spaces,” ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid told NorthJersey.com and The Record. “That’s where he likes to win.”

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Numerous NFL evaluators have told NorthJersey.com and The Record through our pre-draft reporting that there are four blue chippers in this draft, not including presumptive No. 1 pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza: Ohio State inside linebacker Sonny Styles, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Ioane, whose status in recent days gives off Quenton Nelson vibes from the Class of 2018.

There will be debate over whether the Giants should consider taking either Utah’s Spencer Fano or Miami’s Frances Mauigoa and transition those highly rated tackles to guard with Jermaine Eluemunor re-signed on a three-year, $36 million deal and back at right tackle.

But there is a notion that, if the Giants want to make a significant statement about their interior o-line, the best move would be to just select the top guard in the class, and by a good margin: Ioane.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah referred to Ioane as “a middle-of-the-fairway pick.”

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Ioane, 21, brings a certain mentality to the run game that shows up in his approach.

“Just have to come out and be physical,” he said. “That’s the biggest part to it. Especially as a guard, you have to have to have that mentality of moving someone from point A to point B.”

How versatile is Ioane? He lined up on offense at every position except quarterback and running back two seasons ago. His actual position was left guard, but he also played center, right guard, left tackle and right tackle, and in certain packages like the one on which he flattened Schuermann, Ioane flexed out in the slot, at tight end and in the backfield at fullback.

“Being an interior o-lineman, you’ve got to bring a lot with you,” Ioane said. “I have full trust in my ability to play the position. I feel confident in what I put on film.”

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If he were to become a Giant, Ioane could step right in as the starter at left guard, bumping Jon Runyan Jr. to right guard. He’s a mauler in the run game, which fits what John Harbaugh wants from his offensive line as this offense with Jaxson Dart as its centerpiece evolves. Ioane’s fundamentals and technique are clean, and he comes with an attitude on the field, too.

The Giants promise they won’t be prisoners of positional value, which opens up their first-round path to placing a priority on football production over traits if all things are equal. Is the No. 5 overall pick too high to take Ioane? Nelson went one spot lower when the Colts took him sixth.

Styles, Downs and Love will also be in that discussion as the Giants weigh their options, as will Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. If they can add an asset or two by moving down a few spots, team brass will likely consider that, too.

And if Ioane turns out to be the guy, he wants everyone to know what the team that drafts him will be getting.

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“You’re going to get a competitive player,” Ioane said. “When I go out there on the field, I’m an entirely different person – an aggressive player, both in mentality and being the most physical guy out there.”

Sounds like someone the Giants could use to plug what remains a gaping hole in their offensive line.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Vega Ioane: Giants OL target has ‘tape, traits and football character’