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Penn State Safety Zakee Wheatley Opts Out of Pinstripe Bowl to Prepare for 2026 NFL Draft

The fifth-year standout ends his college career after a 74-tackle regular season under a program known for producing NFL-ready safeties.

Overview

  • Wheatley announced his decision on X, thanking supporters and stating he will focus on draft preparation.
  • His choice rules him out of the Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson at Yankee Stadium in New York City.
  • The 6-2, 202-pound safety recorded 74 tackles this regular season and finished with 223 tackles and six interceptions in his career.
  • He moved from cornerback to safety in 2022 and emerged as a two-year starter in a group developed by assistant Anthony Poindexter.
  • Defensive tackle Zane Durant previously opted out of the bowl, leaving Penn State without another key defender for the matchup.