When you talk about the modern Penn State defense, people usually start with the freakish pass rushers or the lockdown cornerbacks. But if you really watch the tape from the last few seasons—especially that chaotic 2024 run—one name keeps popping up in the middle of every big play. Zakee Wheatley. Honestly, calling him just a "safety" feels like an understatement at this point.
The Crofton, Maryland native has spent five years in Happy Valley turning himself from a skinny four-star recruit into the undisputed "Takeaway King." It wasn't an overnight thing. It was a grind.
He didn't just walk into a starting role. He waited. He redshirted in 2021. He played the backup role behind guys who are now playing on Sundays. But by the time the 2024 season hit its stride, and after that brutal injury to KJ Winston Jr., the defense became Wheatley’s backyard. If you’re wondering why scouts are suddenly obsessed with a guy who was once a rotational piece, you’ve gotta look at the sheer range.
The Evolution of the Zakee Wheatley Penn State Era
Wheatley came out of Archbishop Spalding as a guy who could do it all. Wide receiver? Yeah, he had 800 yards. Safety? Five picks as a junior. That ball-tracking ability didn't just disappear when he got to State College; it actually got better.
Basically, he sees the field like a receiver while hitting like a linebacker.
In 2022, we saw flashes. That interception against Auburn was the "oh, okay, this kid is different" moment. But 2024 was the breakout. We're talking 96 total tackles. 58 of those were solo. That’s a massive number for a safety. He wasn't just hanging back in a deep half; he was flying into the alley to stop the run and then backpedaling to snag picks against Heisman-caliber quarterbacks.
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The Fiesta Bowl Masterclass
If you need one game to explain the Zakee Wheatley Penn State hype, it’s the 2024 Fiesta Bowl against Boise State.
- Takeaway 1: A fumble recovery in the first quarter that killed Boise’s momentum.
- Takeaway 2: A 28-yard interception return in the fourth that essentially sealed the 31-14 win.
- The Result: Defensive MVP honors.
It was the kind of performance that makes NFL GMs stop eating their popcorn. He looked like a pro among amateurs.
Why He Stayed for 2025 (And What It Cost Him)
A lot of people expected Wheatley to jump to the draft after that Fiesta Bowl. He had the stats. He had the MVP trophy. Most guys would've taken the money and run.
But he didn't.
He announced he was coming back for a fifth year in 2025. It was a gamble. Honestly, in the world of NIL and "get paid while you can," staying for another year of college hits can be risky. But Wheatley wanted to prove he wasn't just a beneficiary of a good system. He wanted to be the system.
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The 2025 season was... interesting. The post-James Franklin era (yeah, we're really in that now) was rocky for the Nittany Lions. But Wheatley was the one constant. Even in that heartbreaker against Iowa, he picked off Mark Gronowski on the third play of the game. He ended his college career with 149 solo tackles and 6 interceptions. Those aren't "system" numbers. Those are "I'm the best player on the field" numbers.
Breaking Down the 2026 NFL Draft Stock
Now that he’s officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, the conversation has shifted. Is he a first-rounder? Probably not. Safeties rarely go that high unless they’re Kyle Hamilton-level unicorns.
But is he a Day 2 lock? Absolutely.
The Measurables:
He’s 6’2” and weighs in at about 202 pounds. That’s the "Goldilocks" zone for a modern NFL safety. He’s big enough to play in the box and cover tight ends, but he’s got a reported 4.40 forty-yard dash that lets him play single-high.
The "It" Factor:
It’s the hands. Because he played receiver in high school, he doesn't just "defend" passes. He catches them. NFL defensive coordinators are tired of safeties who just swat the ball down. They want turnovers. Wheatley provides those in bunches.
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"He’s a magnet to the ball. You can’t teach that kind of instinct," one scout noted during the 2025 Big Ten Media Days.
What’s Next for Wheatley?
With the 2026 NFL Draft coming up in Pittsburgh this April, Wheatley is basically playing a home game. He opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl to prep, which is pretty standard now.
If you’re a fan or a collector, keep an eye on his Combine drills. If he hits that 4.40 mark officially, he might climb into the late second round. Teams like the Eagles or the Ravens—who love versatile, high-IQ defensive backs—are going to be all over him.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Senior Bowl: This is where Wheatley can prove he can cover elite SEC and Big 12 receivers one-on-one. If he holds his own there, his stock is golden.
- Check the RAS (Relative Athletic Score): Wheatley currently projects around an 8.8. If he bumps that up with his vertical and broad jump, he’s a top-5 safety in this class.
- Don't ignore the "Big Nickel" role: In the NFL, he might not be a pure free safety. Look for teams that use three-safety sets; that’s where his ability to play the "star" or "big nickel" position will make him a Week 1 starter.
Zakee Wheatley's journey at Penn State wasn't just about football. It was a lesson in patience. He didn't port out when things got crowded. He didn't leave early when he was hot. He stayed, he led, and now he's about to be the next great Penn State DB in the league.