In the wake of their heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl semifinals, Penn State has seen a whirlwind of activity in the transfer portal. The chaos of the past five days has been a rollercoaster for Nittany Lions fans, with both departures and returns shaking up the roster.
Amidst the upheaval, a familiar face has returned home: former defensive back King Mack. After a brief stint at Alabama, Mack is back in Happy Valley, poised to take on a pivotal role in the secondary. With the departures of Jaylen Reed and Kevin Winston Jr., Mack’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. His presence will be vital for Penn State’s new defensive coordinator, following Tom Allen’s move to Clemson.
However, as one door opens, another closes. Safety Tyrece Mills has entered the transfer portal, leaving behind memories of his first career interception in the Fiesta Bowl win over Boise State. Mills, who transferred from Lackawanna Community College, was a key contributor on special teams and played significant snaps in 2024.
Mills’ departure is part of a broader exodus, with defensive backs Mehki Flowers and Cam Miller also entering the portal. Adding to the challenge, veteran cornerback Jalen Kimber is heading to the NFL after an impactful season. Despite these losses, there’s hope on the horizon.
Redshirt junior safety Zakee Wheatley, a rising star in the secondary, has decided to return for his senior season. Wheatley’s breakout performances, including a career-high 16 tackles and an interception against Notre Dame, have cemented his role as a defensive leader. His season stats—95 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries—are a testament to his relentless drive and resilience.
With Mack, Wheatley, and promising talents like Dejuan Lane, AJ Harris, and Zion Tracy, the Nittany Lions are poised to rebuild and come back stronger in 2025. The journey ahead will be challenging, but the heart of Penn State’s defense beats strong, ready to rise again.
