Zach Wendling is a Lincoln native. He graduated from Lincoln North Star High School and earned dual bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2023.

He worked for The Daily Nebraskan throughout his time at UNL, rising from a news reporter to senior news editor. He also worked as a copy/slot editor for the DN. His coverage areas included the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, UNL administration and a campus-centered look at the COVID-19 pandemic. He wrote for the Nebraska News Service and served as a political lead for CoJMC's Experience Lab during the 2022 midterm elections. He completed two summer internships in Washington, D.C., around Capitol Hill, including for The Hill. In January 2024, he completed a month-long study abroad in Antigua, Guatemala, focused on solutions journalism.

He graduated with highest distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May 2023 with a bachelor's of journalism and a bachelor's of arts in political science.