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Penn State

Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley set to return for senior season

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel12/24/24GregPickel
Zakee Wheatley Penn State Football On3
(Photo: Frank Hyatt/BWI)

Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley is returning for another season in 2025. The Nittany Lions moved into a starting role this year and has flourished. He will be one of the team’s leaders next season.

Wheatley posted a statement to social media announcing the news:

“Sometimes it’s hard to put into
words how blessed I am to be able to wear the blue and white and play this beautiful game in front of the greatest fans in the world! Thinking about what we have accomplished so far as a team and what we have to still accomplish this season makes me excited!
These past 4 years have been amazing.

“I have grown so much as a person here at penn state thanks to my teammates and coaches. I could not ask for a better group to learn from and to go into battle with everyday.
I am excited for the playoffs and to have another chance to compete with my brothers.
After thinking about this season and discussions with my family about my future, I have decided to return to penn state next year for my last year!”

Through 13 games, Wheatley’s 77 tackles are third on the team. He also owns four pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery this year.

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Penn State 2025 defense outlooked

Getting Wheatley back is a big deal. Penn State loses fellow starting Jaylen Reed. It also will no longer have KJ Winston Jr. He missed almost all of this season. He is now off to the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Lions will also likely lose defensive end Abdul Carter to the pros. Numerous starters have a decision to make, including linebacker Kobe King and defensive linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant, among others.

As for the 2025 season, Wheatley joins quarterback Drew Allar in announcing his intentions to come back for another year in State College. Other announcements could come in the days ahead. ​But most will wait until after the season ends, whenever that may be. 

Penn State continues its 2024 season at the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. It faces Boise State there in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal.

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