Zakee Wheatley becomes fourth Penn State player to commit to play in Senior Bowl

Penn State news, notes, and updates for Dec. 16 include Zakee Wheatley accepting a Senior Bowl invite, headlines of the day, and more.

Wheatley is the fourth Nittany Lion to commit to play in the premier all-star game on the path to the NFL Draft. He is joined by defensive tackle Zane Durant, running back Kaytron Allen, and guard Vega Ioane. Ioane, Durant, and Wheatley have all opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl. Allen has not yet made his postseason intentions known.

”First, I want to thank God for blessing me to play five years of football at Penn State University! Without him, none of this would have been possible! Want to thank all of my coaches that invested in me and developed me into the man and player that I am today,” Wheatley wrote on social media.

“I also want to thank Penn State and all the fans for the amazing support and memories! I could not have imagined a better collegiate career or experience anywhere in the country. Also want to thank my family for always supporting and always showing up for me through the good and bad times. Now it is time to work to have the chance to create new memories.”

In other news, Monday was an active day in the realm of college football players declaring their plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. However, no Penn State players made any headlines. That could change in the days ahead. Follow BWI for the latest on that front as the 2026 Nittany Lions continue to take shape.

Headlines of the day

Inside Lasch: What’s next after Penn State adds four former Iowa State commits: Snyder, BWI

Penn State wrestling All-American Josh Barr could return to action this weekend, report says: Pickel, BWI

Buzzworthy: More familiar faces expected to join Campbell at Penn State: Bauer, BWI

Penn State QB commit Kase Evans relives his stressful recruitment: Gorney, Rivals

T-Frank’s Film Room: Penn State finds a QB who can chuck it deep in Kase Evans: Carr, BWI

Penn State puts pair on 2025 Associated Press college football All-American teams: Pickel, BWI

Micah Parsons’ message after season-ending injury: ‘I will rise again’: Linder, PennLive

Quote of the day

“I may be sidelined, but I am not defeated. This injury is my greatest test — a moment God allowed to strengthen my testimony. I believe He walks with me through this storm and chose me for this fight because He knew my heart could carry it. I’m deeply grateful to the Packers organization and my teammates for their unwavering support, love, and belief in me during this season. I trust His timing, His plan, and His purpose.

“I will rise again.”

–Former PSU star Micah Parsons on Twitter following news that he will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury.