Penn State guard Vega Ioane has announced he has opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl and has declared for the 2026 NFL draft.

The 6-4, 330-pound Ioane, a fourth-year junior, played in 44 games for the Nittany Lions, including 32 starts. He’s projected to be a first-round pick.

“The past four years have been a journey of a lifetime,” he posted on social media, “and an unforgettable experience that I couldn’t be more grateful for. This family and football program that took me in has helped shape me into the man I am today.

“And for that, an expression of gratitude will never be enough.”

He specifically thanked former Penn State coach James Franklin and former offensive line coach Phil Trautwein.

Ioane has been named to the All-America second team by the Walter Camp Foundation, The Athletic and Sports Illustrated. He was selected to the All-America first team by CBS Sports and On3.

He allowed no sacks for the second straight season and three pressures on 310 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He was voted to the All-Big Ten first team by a media panel and to the second team by the coaches.

Ioane became the fourth Penn State player to opt out of the Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson, joining safety Zakee Wheatley, defensive tackle Zane Durant and running back Nick Singleton.

In other personnel moves, Trautwein has left Penn State after six seasons to join Jon Sumrall’s staff at Florida, Trautwein’s alma mater.

Trautwein’s departure leaves interim head coach Terry Smith, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, Marques Hagans (wide receivers), Deion Barnes (defensive line), Dan Connor (linebackers), Anthony Poindexter (safeties) and Justin Lustig (special teams coordinator) as the remaining assistants from Franklin’s Lions coaching staff.

Penn State announced Friday that three assistant coaches and seven others have officially joined Matt Campbell’s new staff.

Taylor Mouser will be the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, Ryan Clanton will coach the offensive line and Deon Broomfield the secondary.

In addition, Skip Brabanec will serve as football chief of staff, Derek Hoodjer as general manager, Aaron Hillmann as director of sports performance operations, Reid Kagy as head strength and conditioning coach, Brandon Pietrzyk as assistant strength and conditioning coach, Trent Slattenow as director of personnel and Jack Griffith as recruiting assistant.

All but Griffith worked with Campbell at Iowa State.