Which former Washington high school stars were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Two former 4A SPSL standouts — who played at Graham-Kapowsin and Emerald Ridge — are on their way to the AFC North
The 2026 NFL Draft concluded Saturday — and two former Washington high school standouts, who both starred in the 4A SPSL and the Big Ten, are now set to continue their football careers in the AFC North.
Former Graham-Kapowsin lineman Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane was the first offensive guard drafted Thursday night in Pittsburgh, selected at No. 14 overall in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens after four college seasons at Penn State.
Then Friday night, former Emerald Ridge wide receiver Denzel Boston, who played four college seasons at Washington, was selected by the Cleveland Browns early in the second round, at No. 39 overall.
Both Ioane and Boston are the first players in their respective high schools’ histories to be selected in the NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at the two former 4A SPSL and Big Ten standouts’ football careers so far, ahead of their first NFL seasons:
OLAIVAVEGA ‘VEGA’ IOANE
Baltimore Ravens — Round 1, No. 14 overall
At Penn State: All-American and All-Big Ten offensive lineman was considered the top offensive guard prospect in this year’s draft class following impressive career at Penn State. Didn’t allow a sack the past two seasons as the Nittany Lions’ starting left guard, and played in 44 career games across the past four seasons, including 32 starts.
At Graham-Kapowsin: Anchored the offensive line for an Eagles team that won the Class 4A state title his senior season in 2021, and finished the season a perfect 15-0 with a victory in the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series. Three-year starter was an all-state selection as a senior, a two-time 4A SPSL offensive lineman of the year as a junior and senior and 4A SPSL first-teamer as a sophomore.
Quote from former Graham-Kapowsin coach Eric Kurle: “I think it means a lot to him to do something he loves, and that will allow him to take care of his family.”
What Fox Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang says: “Ioane plays with the physicality Baltimore has always prioritized up front, given their run-heavy offense and need to protect Lamar Jackson.”
DENZEL BOSTON
Cleveland Browns — Round 2, No. 39 overall
At UW: Spent four seasons with the Huskies, and appeared in 43 games, hauling in 132 catches for 1,781 yards and 20 TDs. Led the program in catches (62), receiving yards (881) and receiving TDs (11) in 2025 on the way to an All-Big Ten third-team selection. Also paced the Huskies in TD catches in 2024 (nine), and had one passing, rushing and punt return TD each while at UW.
At Emerald Ridge: Played four varsity seasons for the Jaguars, and was a two-time 4A SPSL first-teamer, tallying 105 catches for 1,572 yards and 23 TDs during high school career.
Quote from former Emerald Ridge coach Adam Schakel: “He used to say, ‘Football is my thing, and I love football, and I want to play as long as I can!’ … He checks a lot of boxes in what he can do catching the football.”
What Fox Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang says: “Boston’s size and catch radius make him a clean match for Cleveland, a club otherwise lacking a true split end.”