| Team | Carolina Panthers |
|---|---|
| Number | 38 |
| Position | Safety |
| Birth date | February 28, 2002 (age 24) |
| Birth place | Crofton, Maryland, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft |
| Height in | 3 |
| Weight lb | 203 |
| Highschool | Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Maryland) |
| College | Penn State (2021–2025) |
| Draftyear | 2026 |
| Draftround | 5 |
| Draftpick | 151 |
| Pastteams |
|
| Status | Active |
| Pfr | WheaZa00 |
Zakee Kai Wheatley[1] (born February 28, 2002)[2] is an American professional football safety for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Early life
Wheatley attended Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Maryland. Playing both wide receiver and safety, he recorded five interceptions, seven pass breakups and 30 tackles on defense, while hauling in 56 receptions for 810 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.[3] A four-star recruit, Wheatley committed to play college football at Pennsylvania State University, over offers from Boston College, Michigan State, and Virginia.[4][5]
College career
In 2021, Wheatley played sparingly in four games, earning a redshirt.[6][7] Against Auburn the following season, he recorded his first career interception.[8] In 2022, his production increased, as he totaled 27 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.[9] In 2024, Wheatley's role increased after an injury to Kevin Winston Jr..[10] At the conclusion of the regular season, he announced that he would return the following season, rather than enter the 2025 NFL draft, after totaling 77 total tackles, four pass breakups, 1.5 tackles for loss and one interception through 14 games.[11] In the 2024 Fiesta Bowl, Wheatley was named the game's defensive MVP after recording an interception and a fumble recovery, helping lead Penn State to a 31–14 victory.[12]
Professional career
Wheatley was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round with the 151st overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft.[13]
References
- ^ "Zakee Wheatley". Pennsylvania State University Athletics. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
- ^ "Zakee Wheatley Safety Penn State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report". www.nfldraftbuzz.com. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
- ^ Andrews, Kyle J. (2020-03-31). "Spalding receiver Zakee Wheatley considers college offers, stays focused on title in fall". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ "Archbishop Spalding wide receiver, 4-star recruit Zakee Wheatley commits to Penn State". Capital Gazette. 2020-04-10. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ Upadhyaya, Parth. "Months away from his dream, incoming Penn State freshman Zakee Wheatley stays focused on goals". Centre Daily Times
- ^ Flounders, Bob (2022-05-25). "Young Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley is making a strong push for a large role on the Lions' 2022 defense". The Progress. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ Sauber, Jon. "As he starts his 2nd year with Penn State football, is Zakee Wheatley the next breakout star?". Centre Daily Times
- ^ "Young safeties Zakee Wheatley, Jaylen Reed bring playmaking ability to No. 14 Penn State's secondary". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ Flounders, Bob (2023-01-26). "Potential 2023 breakouts: Penn State's Zakee Wheatley is building a reputation as a ballhawk". pennlive. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ Alenstein, Lyle (2024-10-08). "Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley hasn't missed a beat in light of Kevin Winston Jr.'s injury". The Daily Collegian. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ Boley, Austin (2024-12-24). "Penn State football's Zakee Wheatley returning in 2025". WGAL. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ Ralph, Max (2025-01-01). "Penn State's Tyler Warren, Zakee Wheatley take home Fiesta Bowl Player of the Game honors". pennlive. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ^ Gantt, Darin & Hill, Kassidy (April 25, 2026). "Panthers trade up to No. 151 to take safety Zakee Wheatley". Panthers.com. Retrieved 27 April 2026.