Penn State Football

One More Year: Key Penn State Defender Announces Return For 2025

Published

December 23, 2024

Zakee Wheatley is ready to go for another round at Penn State.

Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Zakee Wheatley

Penn State will have one of its key defenders back to the 2025 season.

Monday night, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety named Zakee Wheatley announced via social media that he plans to use his final year of eligibility and come back for 2025.

This is much-needed.

Penn State is losing its top two safeties in Kevin Winston Jr. (Draft) and Jaylen Reed (eligibility). Behind those two, there isn’t much experienced depth at the position, as evidenced by true freshman Dejuan Lane being thrown into the fire after Winston got hurt during the second week of the season. So, yeah, having Wheatley back is huge for the room.

WHEATLEY’S IMPACT

Zakee Wheatley’s return to Penn State for the 2025 season is much-needed.

Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Zakee Wheatley

With defensive coordinator Tom Allen running a 4-2-5, which requires three safeties, Wheatley’s role is essential. After Winston’s injury, it became even more essential. As Penn State plays its biggest games in December, Wheatley is getting more snaps than ever. He played a staggering 75 against Oregon in the Big Ten title game per Pro Football Focus and 66 against SMU in the College Football Playoff this past Saturday. Wheatley played the team’s season opener at West Virginia as a strong safety but moved to free safety following Winston’s injury. He’s held his own, with highlights including a pair of 10-tackle performances against Wisconsin Oct. 26 and the next week against Ohio State. He ended the season with 76 tackles, good for third on the team, also forcing a fumble against Ohio State and getting an interception against Bowling Green. He was named All-Big Ten honorable mention for his efforts.

WHEATLEY’S FULL STATEMENT

Zakee Wheatley is happy to be back at Penn State for another year.

Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Spots Now: Zakee Wheatley

“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,” Wheatley wrote. “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!”

No. 6 Penn State takes on No. 3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl/College Football Playoff semifinal New Year’s Eve night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 on ESPN from Arizona.