Ivan Pace Jr. Bio
Ivan Pace Jr. (born December 16, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his instincts against the run and his pass-rushing ability off the edge, he has emerged as a reliable contributor on the Vikings defense after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Before turning pro, he starred at the University of Cincinnati, where he was recognized as a unanimous All-American and the AAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Pace built his reputation as a hard-hitting, high-motor linebacker through years of development at Colerain High School and two college programs. His combination of production, leadership, and football IQ has helped him earn a starting role in Minnesota and a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Early Life and Background
Ivan Pace Jr. was born on December 16, 2000, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in the same football-rich city that would later host his college career and watched the sport closely from a young age. Cincinnati’s strong high school football tradition helped shape his early understanding of the game.
He attended Colerain High School in Cincinnati, where he played linebacker and fullback. His physical style and nose for the football drew attention from college recruiters, and he committed to Miami University to continue his football career. The combination of size, speed, and toughness he developed in high school laid the foundation for his future success at the next level.
Path to American Football
Pace’s path to professional football began at Miami University, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2019. Playing a hybrid role at linebacker and edge rusher, he appeared in 13 games and recorded 19 tackles along with seven sacks. Six of those sacks came in a single game against Akron, tying the NCAA record for most sacks in one contest.
After the shortened 2020 season, in which he started all three games and posted 26 tackles, Pace broke out in 2021 with 125 tackles, four sacks, and an interception. His standout season earned him First-team All-MAC honors and drew the attention of larger programs. Following the 2021 season, he transferred to the University of Cincinnati, joining his brother Deshawn on the Bearcats roster.
Ivan Pace Jr. Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
At Miami University, Pace established himself as one of the most productive defenders in the Mid-American Conference. His freshman sack performance against Akron instantly put him on the national radar, and his 2021 tackle totals showed his growth as a complete linebacker.
Across three seasons at Miami, he gained valuable experience at both linebacker and edge positions, refining his pass-rushing technique and run-defense fundamentals. The production and leadership he showed at the college level set the stage for his high-profile transfer to a Power Five program.
Cincinnati Bearcats Breakthrough (2022)
As a starter in his first season at Cincinnati in 2022, Pace quickly became the heartbeat of the Bearcats defense. His sideline-to-sideline range and football intelligence allowed Cincinnati to use him in a variety of roles against both the run and the pass.
His dominant play that season earned him First-team All-AAC honors, the AAC Defensive Player of the Year award, and unanimous All-American recognition. By the end of the year, he was widely viewed as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country heading into the NFL process.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2023–Present)
Although he went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Pace signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2023. He impressed throughout training camp, and the Vikings announced on August 29, 2023, that he had made the initial 53-man roster.
As a rookie, Pace appeared in all 17 games and made 11 starts for Minnesota. He finished the season with 102 total tackles (63 solo), 2.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His performance earned him a spot on the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team, validating the Vikings’ decision to give him an early opportunity.
In 2024, Pace continued to grow into a versatile defender for Minnesota. In Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, he recovered a fumble for a touchdown set up by teammate Josh Metellus. Later, in a Week 18 rematch against Detroit, he intercepted a Jared Goff pass that was again forced by Metellus, showing his nose for the ball in big moments.
Driving Style and Strengths
Pace is known for his aggressive playing style, strong tackling in space, and ability to rush the passer off the edge. His football IQ allows him to diagnose plays quickly, while his motor and physicality make him effective on every down. Pairing those traits with the defensive scheme in Minnesota has allowed him to flourish as a young linebacker.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most memorable career moments are his six-sack performance against Akron in 2019, his 2022 unanimous All-American selection at Cincinnati, and his standout NFL debut against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14 of the 2023 season. In that 3–0 victory, Pace recorded 13 tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and an interception, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Ivan Pace Jr. Career Wins
Ivan Pace Jr.’s win resume is built on individual recognition at every level he has played. While team wins and losses fluctuate, his personal accolades reflect a consistent track record of production.
College Highlights
At Cincinnati, Pace earned unanimous All-American status, the AAC Defensive Player of the Year award, and First-team All-AAC honors in 2022. At Miami, he earned First-team All-MAC recognition in 2021 after leading the team with 125 tackles.
NFL Highlights and Awards
Pace was named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team in 2023 after a productive first professional season. He also earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 14 of his rookie year.
Ivan Pace Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ivan Pace Jr. comes from a football family with deep Cincinnati roots. His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, has also pursued a career as a linebacker and joined Ivan at the University of Cincinnati before later continuing his career at UCF.
Personal Life
Off the field, Ivan Pace Jr. remains closely connected to his family and the Cincinnati community that shaped his football journey. His brother Deshawn continues to pursue his own professional football path, keeping the family’s football tradition alive.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Ivan Pace Jr. is expected to play a significant role in the Minnesota Vikings’ linebacker rotation. After establishing himself as a reliable starter during his rookie campaign and producing key impact plays in 2024, he enters the new season with momentum and growing chemistry alongside the Vikings’ defensive core.
With another full offseason of development and an expanded role in the defensive game plan, Pace is positioned to build on his early career statistics. His ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and create turnovers will remain central to Minnesota’s defensive identity.
As the Vikings push for playoff contention in 2025, Pace’s continued growth, combined with the team’s defensive scheme, gives him a strong platform to compete for postseason play and additional individual recognition.