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Penn States 2026 NFL Draft class, potentially one of their largest in a decade, hangs in the balance as key players like A.J. Harris, Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, and Dani Dennis-Sutton weigh early entry decisions. These choices will significantly impact Matt Campbells first year as head coach, determining whether he inherits a stable team or one in need of extensive rebuilding. The universitys strong NFL pipeline, coupled with the tension between players past loyalties and adapting to Campbells new vision, adds to the complexity of the situation. The decisions of these athletes will impact Campbells inaugural season as much as any new plays or strategies, potentially forcing him to start his tenure without crucial players or face an immediate rebuild of the team.

Penn State Nittany Lions key players, defensive tackle Zane Durant and defensive back Zakee Wheatley, have opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl to focus on their NFL draft preparations. Durant, a three-year starter, leaves with 89 tackles, 10 sacks, and 14 tackles for loss. Wheatley, a five-year player, ends his career with 22 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. Their absence will be felt as the Nittany Lions prepare for the bowl game.

Penn States Safety Zakee Wheatley to Opt Out of Pinstripe Bowl, Focusing on NFL Draft: A Key Loss for Nittany Lions Defense

Penn States defensive standout, safety Zakee Wheatley, has opted out of the Pinstripe Bowl to focus on the NFL draft, ending his college career. Wheatley, a Maryland native, is a top safety prospect with 223 total tackles, 145 solo, 78 assists, and 6 career interceptions. Hes part of a tradition of excellent defensive backfield talent at Penn State. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Zane Durant has also decided to skip the bowl, aiming for the NFL. Penn State faces Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 27th, adjusting their defensive strategy without these key players.

Penn States coaching staff faces a shuffle as former head coach James Franklin brings familiar faces from his previous tenure to Virginia Tech. Quarterbacks coach Danny OBrien and co-offensive coordinator Ty Howle are set to join Franklins new team. This leaves new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell with the task of finding replacements for both coaches, as he aims to lead the team back to the College Football Playoff.

Penn States Pinstripe Bowl appearance against Clemson will feature a revamped team, with several players opting out and coaching staff changes. Key defensive players Zakee Wheatley and Zane Durant will not play, leaving younger players like Dejuan Lane to step up. The coaching staff also sees departures, including defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, tight ends coach Ty Howle, and quarterbacks coach Danny OBrien, who are joining Virginia Tech.

Matt Campbell, a three-time Big Twelve Coach of the Year, is now at the helm of Penn State football, a program with a storied history. He brings a strong track record from Iowa State, where he compiled a seventy-two and fifty-five record. Campbell retained interim coach Terry Smith but will not keep all of the previous coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, a well-respected figure in college football, will not be retained. Campbells first task is to find a new defensive coordinator to lead his team and meet the high expectations of the Penn State faithful.

Matt Campbell, the successful Iowa State football coach, has moved to Penn State, expressing gratitude for his time at Iowa State with a full-page ad in the Des Moines Register. He leaves as the winningest coach, with a 72-55 record, and is excited to instill championship habits at Penn State.

Penn State Football Faces Another Defensive Coordinator Change: Jim Knowles Leaves for Tennessee, Leaving Uncertainty for Pinstripe Bowl