Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley opts out of bowl game
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As Penn State gears up for the upcoming Pinstripe Bowl, it will do so without another key defensive player.
Safety Zakee Wheatley, a redshirt senior, announced he will opt out of the bowl season and focus on preparing for the 2026 NFL draft, bringing an end to his college football career at Penn State. The Maryland native should be among the top safety prospects in this year’s NFL draft pool.
Wheatley ends his Penn State career as one of the top defensive playmakers, continuing the tradition of strong defensive secondary play for the prorgam. Wheatley racked up 223 total tackles (145 solo tackles and 78 assists) and 6 career interceptions, including 3 in the 2024 season that helped fuel Penn State’s push to the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Wheatley is the second notable Penn State defensive player to announce he will skip the Pinstripe Bowl. Defensive tackle Zane Durant previously announced he will also be skipping the bowl season to focus his energy on his prep for the NFL draft.
Penn State will face Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 27.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley opts out of bowl game
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