Why Penn State believes Zakee Wheatley will be a game-changer in 2025
'The ball loves Zakee,' Franklin said. 'He's had his hand in nine takeaways in his career. We think he's going to have a phenomenal year.'
That kind of trust doesn't come easy in Franklin's program. It's built over time, in the weight room, in film sessions, in practice reps—day after day. And Wheatley has put in that work. After years of development and flashes of playmaking ability, this is the year the staff expects it all to come together.
Nicknamed 'The Takeaway King' by fans, Wheatley has consistently shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His instincts, ball skills, and awareness make him a natural disruptor. He doesn't just play defense—he flips momentum. And in big games, that matters more than anything.
With some recent changes on the roster, this defense needs veteran voices. Wheatley fits that mold perfectly. He's not just a playmaker, he's a communicator. Franklin and the staff trust him to set the tone and be the anchor for a defensive backfield that's reloading, not rebuilding.
That leadership quality is especially important in 2025. With games against heavy hitters like Oregon and Ohio State on the schedule, the defense can't afford miscommunication or breakdowns. Having a fifth-year player like Wheatley—who's seen it all—helps stabilize everything.
But it's not just experience that sets him apart. It's his ceiling. Franklin didn't hold back when hyping up what kind of impact Wheatley can have.
'He's a ball magnet,' he said. 'The ball just finds him.'
That's the kind of skill you can't coach. It's what NFL scouts look for. It's what opposing quarterbacks fear. And in a season where the margins will be razor-thin, a guy who can create extra possessions is worth his weight in gold.
Wheatley is set to graduate this fall, a testament to his commitment both on and off the field. He's become a complete player—smart, physical, and always around the ball.
Now, it's time for him to lead. And if Franklin's words are any indication, Penn State believes Wheatley is ready to take that next step from steady contributor to national name.
So keep an eye on No. 6 this fall. Because if the Nittany Lions make another championship push, Zakee Wheatley's fingerprints will be all over it.
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