Penn State safety Zakee Wheatly poised for big 2025 season

Penn State certainly have a loaded defense. Nevertheless, some players don't quite receive the attention they should, especially when we take a look at the secondary. The obvious star of the bunch is corner AJ Harris, who will surely be the most integral aspect of generating turnovers this year for the Nittany Lions. At the safety spot however, there was a major revelation last year that could see yet another stellar year for the safety room. Zakee Wheatley, after an injury to star Kevin Winston Jr, stepped up and became a premier defensive back in the Big Ten.

Now that he has decided to forgo the NFL Draft and come back for a final year at Penn State, Wheatley is looking to mightily improve his draft stock while also trying to win a championship. Here's a quick look into how his season could play out.

2024 in Review

Zakee Wheatley was probably not expecting to fill any shoes last year or be the next man up. In fact, throughout his entire career at Penn State, his position was always in flux. He played snaps at both receiver and safety throughout his three years at Penn State thus far, but didn't really have a defined role within the squad. So when Kevin Winston Jr. went down early last year, no one could expect what Wheatley was able to do. Thus, his performance levels last year could be heavily defined as a shock.

In a career year, Wheatley made 77 tackles, 1.5 for loss, four pass breakups, and one interception. Most impressively, in Penn State's first-ever CFP win, Wheatley was named MVP of the game with his lone interception and a fumble recovery being the clinchers. It proved that despite some injury woes on the back end, the next man up could deliver. And last year, that was Wheatley. Penn State fans must be elated for his return.

Biggest Question for 2025

Will Zakee Wheatley regret his decision to forgo the draft? While some will believe that another year could improve his draft stock even more, it's not a guarantee that Wheatley will continue to star for the Nittany Lions yet again. This secondary is as elite as it has ever been with several players looking for spots up for grabs on the depth chart. Wheatley should have a spot locked up, but should young players such as Lane, Mack, or even redshirt freshman Vaboue Toure excel, chances are Wheatley's accolades may not look as strong.

Also, would it even be fulfilling if Penn State does win a championship but Wheatley does not contribute as much as he likes? That has to be in the back of Wheatley's mind as now it feels as if there's more to prove. Being the elder statesman in the group, either he is the glue that holds it together or a pivotal key to the tower crumbling down in the back end. There cannot be a doubt for Wheatley about his decision because there are no excuses for Penn State this year.

2025 will be a success if...

Wheatley improves his draft stock and continues to be the perfect complement to Harris in the secondary. As of right now, the decision Wheatley made seems smart. 2024 was his breakout year and he is looking to build on that to create a better foundation for NFL success. Plus, there was no guarantee he would have been one of the top safeties off the board this year. Thus, should he have another stellar year while being a leader to an otherwise young group, then Wheatley should be satisfied with his accomplishments.

Another goal is obviously a championship, but how he performs to achieve that goal is crucial to not only round off his college career but transitioning to the NFL as well. It will mean a whole lot if he leaves Penn State with something even more significant than just two great campaigns. If he continues to deliver in the big moments, it's safe to say that won't be a problem.

2025 will be a disappointment if...

Wheatley does not continue his rise and improve his draft stock and Penn State ultimately come up short of their championship hopes. Wheatley chose to take the risk and return, but since the entire core of last year's roster did as well, the pressure mounts for a player like Wheatley. All of Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zane Durant, and Harris are almost certainly high-round draft picks. Perhaps none of them even fall to the third day. The same can't quite be said for Wheatley as a late bloomer amongst the group. Lifting himself into that elite list of names is integral to his future success, but could also prey on his mind.

Realistically, 77 tackles at the safety position is a quite an anomalous number, so regression should be expected. However, if Wheatley doesn't just focus on the stats, but on personal growth, maturity, and leadership, that's all that matters. A lot of pressure this season will come from internal struggles, and Wheatley must try and overcome them not just for team success, but his own as well.

Realistic Outlook for 2025

Chances are Wheatley may not stand out on the stat sheet as much this year. That does not mean he cannot affect big games or even the impact he has on this team. In what could be a transitional year for this safety room, Wheatley must prove he can be not just a catalyst, but a leader both on and off the field as younger guys fight for roster spots.

Most importantly, Wheatley must perform as if he is the best safety in the 2026 draft class. Realistically, he is right in the mix to be the first safety off the board, but he must solidify that status with solid performances across the board this season. It will be tough but as very rewarding if he pulls it off.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Top 25 Players for Penn State in 2025, S Zakee Wheatley