Ivan Pace Jr. Bio
Ivan Pace Jr. is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Pace emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in college football before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023. His rapid ascent from a high school prospect in Ohio to an NFL starter demonstrates his exceptional football instincts and relentless work ethic.
Early Life and Background
Ivan Pace Jr. grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended Colerain High School. During his high school career, he played both linebacker and fullback, showcasing the versatility that would define his collegiate and professional career. His performance at Colerain earned him recognition as a talented defensive prospect, leading him to commit to Miami University to continue his football journey.
While Pace showed promise as a high school player, his true development occurred at the collegiate level. He demonstrated early that he possessed the speed, instincts, and physicality necessary to succeed at the Division I level. His upbringing in the football-rich environment of Cincinnati provided him with a strong foundation for pursuing his dreams at the next stage.
Path to American Football
Pace began his college career at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, joining the Miami RedHawks football program in 2019. He made an immediate impact as a true freshman, appearing in 13 games at linebacker and edge positions. His most remarkable performance came against Akron, where he recorded six sacks in a single game, tying the NCAA record for most sacks in a game. Overall, he finished his freshman season with 19 tackles and seven sacks, displaying the pass-rushing prowess that would become his trademark.
The 2020 season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Pace remained a consistent performer, starting all three games and recording 26 tackles. His development continued in 2021, when he posted an impressive stat line of 125 tackles, four sacks, and one interception, earning First-team All-MAC honors. His production attracted attention from bigger programs, leading to his decision to transfer.
Following the 2021 season, Pace transferred to the University of Cincinnati to join the Bearcats program. He was joined by his brother, Deshawn Pace, who also played linebacker for the team. In his sole season at Cincinnati in 2022, Pace emerged as a dominant force, earning First-team All-AAC honors, being named AAC Defensive Player of the Year, and becoming a unanimous All-American. His 2022 campaign established him as one of the top defensive players in the country.
Ivan Pace Jr. Career
Minnesota Vikings (2023-Present)
Despite his stellar college career, Pace went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, his talent was too significant to overlook, and he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2023. This marked the beginning of his professional journey with the Vikings organization.
Pace fought for a roster spot throughout training camp and the preseason. On August 29, 2023, the Vikings announced that he had made the initial 53-man roster, securing his place on the team. His ability to make plays in both run defense and pass rush impressed the coaching staff enough to keep him over more experienced options.
During his rookie season, Pace appeared in all 17 games and made 11 starts. He accumulated 102 total tackles (63 solo), 2.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His performance was recognized when he was named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team, validating the Vikings’ decision to sign him as an undrafted free agent.
In Week 14 of his rookie season, Pace delivered a standout performance against the Las Vegas Raiders in a 3-0 victory. He recorded 13 tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and one interception, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. This game highlighted his ability to impact games in multiple ways.
2024 Season
The 2024 season saw Pace continue his development as an every-down linebacker for the Vikings. In Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, he recorded a fumble recovery for a touchdown that was set up by teammate Josh Metellus. In the Week 18 rematch against Detroit, Pace again benefited from Metelius’s big play, intercepting a pass from Jared Goff. His chemistry with defensive teammates continued to grow throughout the season.
Across his first two NFL seasons through 2024, Pace established himself as a reliable defender. His career totals through the 2024 season include 236 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown. These numbers demonstrate his consistency and ability to make plays across the stat sheet.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Pace brings exceptional speed and instincts to the linebacker position. His background as both a linebacker and edge rusher in college gave him a diverse skill set that translates well to the NFL. He displays a nose for the football and excels in pursuing ball carriers from the back side. His ability to rush the quarterback remains a valuable asset in the Vikings’ defensive scheme, while his coverage skills allow defensive coordinators to trust him in space.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Pace’s young career came during his rookie season when he earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week following his performance against the Las Vegas Raiders. Being recognized as the best defensive player in the conference for a week, as a rookie undrafted free agent, underscores the impact he made in his first NFL season. His selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team further cemented his status as one of the top first-year defenders in the league.
Ivan Pace Jr. Career Statistics
Through his first two NFL seasons, Pace has established himself as a productive starter for the Minnesota Vikings defense. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game has made him a valuable piece of the Vikings’ long-term plans.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
In his NFL career through the 2024 season, Pace has recorded 236 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He has also scored one defensive touchdown. His rookie season was particularly impressive given that he went undrafted, as he immediately earned a starting role and posted over 100 tackles while making 11 starts in 17 games.
College Career Highlights
At Miami (OH), Pace developed into a dominant defender, culminating in his 2021 First-team All-MAC selection after recording 125 tackles and four sacks. His 2022 season at Cincinnati was historic, as he earned unanimous All-American honors and was named AAC Defensive Player of the Year. His six-sack game against Akron as a freshman remains one of the most dominant single-game performances at any level of college football.
| Season | Team | Games | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Minnesota Vikings | 17 | 102 | 2.5 | 1 |
| 2024 | Minnesota Vikings | 17 | 134 | 4.0 | 1 |
Ivan Pace Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While detailed information about Pace’s family background is limited, it is confirmed that his brother, Deshawn Pace, also pursued a career in football. The brothers shared the field at the University of Cincinnati, with both playing linebacker for the Bearcats during the 2022 season. This family connection provided a unique dynamic as both brothers navigated their football careers together at the collegiate level.
Personal Life
Deshawn Pace continued his football career at the University of Central Florida (UCF), playing for the Knights. The Pace brothers represent a football family with roots in Cincinnati, where Ivan Pace Jr. continues to build his professional career. Off the field, Pace maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram and X accounts.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Pace enters his third year with the Minnesota Vikings as an established starter at linebacker. After back-to-back productive seasons that saw him total 236 tackles and 6.5 sacks, expectations have grown for an even larger role in the defense. The Vikings defense relies on his versatility and playmaking ability to anchor their front seven.
The continuity of working within the same defensive system for a third consecutive year should benefit Pace’s development. His chemistry with defensive teammates and the coaching staff’s familiarity with his skill set position him well for continued success. The Vikings coaching staff has shown confidence in his abilities, giving him significant playing time early in his career.
As the 2025 season progresses, Pace looks to build upon his rookie accomplishments and establish himself among the NFL’s top young linebackers. His combination of speed, instincts, and physicality gives him the tools to become a centerpiece of the Vikings defense for years to come. The early returns suggest he has the talent and work ethic to meet those expectations.