The reigning SEC champions may have conquered the field, but off it, Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs have been battling a different kind of opponent—controversy. The program has been marred by legal troubles, with a staggering 25+ players arrested for driving violations alone. And just when it seemed the storm might pass, another bombshell dropped—Colbie Young was accused of assaulting an unborn child.
But now, with the latest developments in his case, could Young be on the verge of a comeback? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems.
Colbie Young’s Legal Saga: A Twist No One Saw Coming
For months, Young’s future looked bleak. The original charges—domestic battery and harm to an unborn child—cast a shadow over his career. But in a dramatic turn of events, those charges have now been dropped. Instead, Young pleaded no contest to a lesser disorderly conduct charge, resulting in a year of probation, a $500 fine, and mandatory enrollment in a family violence intervention program.
This shift has changed everything. What once seemed like a definitive end to Young’s time in Athens has suddenly become a potential second chance.
Does Kirby Smart Need Colbie Young Back?
Insider Rusty Mansell sees a possible path for Young’s return—though with some caution.
“You’ve got to be very careful predicting something like that, but there’s a path to get back.”
And that path might not just depend on Young’s legal situation—it might hinge on Georgia’s wide receiver depth.
Yes, the Bulldogs have landed Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch, but Mansell pointed out a critical issue:
“Neither has that intimidating factor.”
At 6’3”, 215 pounds, Young is a physical mismatch for almost any defensive back. He’s the kind of receiver who can dominate in the red zone, overpower defenders, and stretch the field with his size and athleticism. That’s a rare commodity, and Georgia knows it.
Mansell continued:
“The University of Georgia conducted its own investigation, and that part’s been cleared now. What we know is that he is enrolled in school. At this point, all roads tend to lead to him playing for Georgia next year, which would be a big piece of the puzzle.”
If Young is legally cleared, academically eligible, and still enrolled, then the final call comes down to one man—Kirby Smart.
Did the Legal System Just Hand Colbie Young a Second Chance?
Young’s October arrest led to his immediate suspension from the team, leaving many to assume his Georgia career was over. But in November, the case took a shocking twist.
The alleged victim came forward and requested that the charges be dropped.
That statement became a game-changer for Young’s legal team, led by Kim T. Stephens, who argued that Young had been “fully exonerated.”
“Because the affidavit fully exonerates Mr. Young, the University of Georgia should allow him to return to all team activities, including participation in games.”
It was a bold stance—but would Georgia listen?
Kirby Smart’s Cryptic Response Leaves Questions Unanswered
Even with Young’s legal troubles behind him, his return to the field isn’t guaranteed.
Kirby Smart has remained intentionally vague on the matter. When pressed about Young’s future during the Sugar Bowl, Smart carefully sidestepped the question:
“Colbie and I have had those discussions…. I’d rather keep those conversations between he and I, because he has a lot of things going on.”
That non-committal answer has only fueled speculation. Is Smart weighing his options? Or is he preparing to move on without Young?
Could the NCAA Hand Young an Unexpected Extra Year?
Here’s where things get even more intriguing.
Young was expected to exhaust his eligibility after 2024, but a little-known NCAA rule change could grant him an additional year in 2025.
How?
Young’s JUCO background might give him an eligibility loophole, allowing him to play one more season. This rule change isn’t set in stone, but if it applies to Young, it could give Georgia even more incentive to keep him around.
Does Georgia Need Young, or Is the Risk Too High?
Despite his limited playing time, Young has flashed his star potential. In just five games, he recorded:
- 11 catches
- 249 yards
- 2 touchdowns
For a receiver learning a new system, those numbers are impressive. But his transfer from Miami and lack of a redshirt year have already complicated his eligibility status.
Even if the NCAA gives him an extra year, does Kirby Smart want him back?
Final Verdict: Will Colbie Young Wear Red and Black Again?
At this point, Young’s legal hurdles are behind him. Georgia has completed its internal investigation, and the path is clear for a return.
But Kirby Smart remains tight-lipped, and that speaks volumes.
If Georgia believes Young can help them win, they’ll find a way to make it happen. But if Smart sees him as a liability, Young might be looking for a new home in the transfer portal.
For now, the Bulldog Nation waits.
Will Colbie Young redeem himself and return as a dominant force on offense?
Or has his time in Athens already run out?
One thing’s for sure—this story is far from over.
