Penn State has churned out plenty of NFL safeties over the past few years, including two — Kevin Winston Jr. and Jaylen Reed — just this past year.

Once senior Zakee Wheatley announced he’d return for a fifth year in 2024, there was an obvious sentiment that he’d be the next in that line.

Not only does he have strong athleticism at 6-2 and 202 pounds, but Wheatley also played the best football of his career in the College Football Playoff last season. He made 26 tackles (16 in the Orange Bowl vs. Notre Dame) with two interceptions, a sack and a fumble recovery.

Wheatley has not been tested much in 2025 as Penn State waltzed through nonconference play. But, in his first year with Jim Knowles at defensive coordinator, Wheatley’s best should still be on the horizon.

“I am excited about Z

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