Penn State safety announces return for senior season

While Penn State football is preparing for its College Football Playoff Quarterfinal matchup with Boise State next week, the Nittany Lions secondary just earned a significant boost for its 2025 outlook. On Monday night, redshirt junior safety Zakee Wheatley announced his intention to return to Happy Valley for his senior season.

“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 on social media. “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 four 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!”

© @ZakeeWheatley on X.com.

Wheatley has 130 tackles and three interceptions over 44 games in his Penn State football career. This year, he is third on the Nittany Lions defense with 77 tackles.

Wheatley’s announced return is significant for the Nittany Lions’ defensive backfield, which is losing Jaylen Reed and KJ Winston. The Crofton, Maryland, native has been critical to Penn State’s pass defense since Winston suffered a season-ending injury in September.

With his announcement, Zakee Wheatley joins Drew Allar as Nittany Lions who have announced their return to Penn State football in 2025.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation, one of the fastest-growing outlets covering Penn State athletics. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned and operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on social media.