Who knows what things are going to look like come August but for now, one of Penn State football’s offensive starters is at a different position.
Vega Ioane, who started at left guard for PSU last season, told reporters Wednesday evening that he’s playing on the right side for the time being.
Vega Ioane said he’s currently playing right guard, with JB Nelson playing left guard. pic.twitter.com/vIYS6Dotd3
— Lexie Linderman (@lexieleigh28) April 2, 2025
This move could be temporary but does make sense.
After all, Penn State does have a vacancy at right guard due to the departure of longtime starter Sal Wormley (eligibility). Many feel that rising sophomore Cooper Cousins is the most logical option to succeed Wormley but per Ioane, veteran JB Nelson is currently playing on the left side while Ioane is on the right.
Nelson is entering his fourth season with Penn State and is no stranger to bright lights, having started eight games at left guard after projected starter Landon Tengwall had to medically retire. So the left guard position is something Nelson’s used to.
As for Cousins, he was seen taking reps at center during the media’s practice viewing window Tuesday.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Cooper Cousins getting some reps snapping to Drew Allar pic.twitter.com/dgr2pmAVtz
— Joel Haas (@Joel_Haas1) April 1, 2025
Although Penn State has its starting center from last season in Nick Dawkins returning, plenty of people feel that Cousins is next in line.
Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein even went as far as to compare Cousins to the Pouncy brothers, Maurkice and Mike, in an interview with reporters this past September.
Regardless of who ends up where, the offensive line figures to again be a strength for Penn State. Aside from Wormley, the other four regular starters— Dawkins, Ioane, Drew Shelton and one of Nolan Rucci or Anthony Donkoh at right tackle— are all coming back.
