Craig Young

Craig Young Bio

Craig Young is an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. Born on March 13, 2001, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Young developed his skills at Wayne High School before advancing to the collegiate level at Ohio State and later Kansas. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, he has continued his professional career with multiple organizations in the NFL and CFL, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the competitive landscape of professional football.

Early Life and Background

Craig Young grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he attended Wayne High School. During his junior season at Wayne, Young showcased his versatility by excelling on both sides of the ball. He caught 29 receptions for 367 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver while also contributing 27 tackles, a sack and a half, and three interceptions on defense. This dual-threat performance established him as a promising prospect heading into his senior year.

Upon completing high school, Young earned a three-star recruit rating and attracted interest from several major college programs. He received scholarship offers from notable programs including Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. After carefully considering his options, Young made the decision to continue his football career at the collegiate level by committing to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the premier college football programs in the country.

Path to Professional Football

Young arrived at Ohio State in 2019 and began his collegiate career with the Buckeyes. Over his first two seasons in 2019 and 2020, he appeared in 14 games and recorded eight tackles while adapting to the competitive Big Ten Conference. His development during this period laid the foundation for an expanded role in his third season with the program.

In 2021, Young saw increased playing time and made the most of his opportunities. He appeared in 12 games and accumulated 15 tackles, half a sack, one pass deflection, one interception, and one touchdown. His performance against Michigan State in week twelve of that season exemplified his contributions, as he recorded three tackles with half a tackle for a loss in a victory. Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, Young entered the NCAA transfer portal seeking a new opportunity.

Young transferred to the Kansas Jayhawks for the 2022 season, where he experienced a breakout year. He recorded 60 tackles with 5.5 going for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble during the 2022 campaign. His final season in 2023 saw him post 41 tackles with five for a loss, one and a half sacks, three pass deflections, and another interception. After the 2023 season, Young declared for the 2024 NFL Draft and participated in the Hula Bowl showcase.

Craig Young Career

Indianapolis Colts (2024)

Despite not hearing his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft, Young continued his professional aspirations by signing with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. This opportunity allowed him to compete for a roster spot with the team closest to his home state of Indiana. Young participated in training camp and preseason activities with the Colts organization.

However, Young was waived by the Colts on August 27, 2024, prior to the start of the regular season. The waiver did not diminish his determination to continue pursuing his NFL dreams, and he remained focused on earning another opportunity with another franchise.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)

Young joined the Pittsburgh Steelers organization when he signed to their practice squad on October 16, 2024. This signing provided him with valuable experience in an NFL environment and the opportunity to continue developing his skills at the professional level. The Steelers practice squad allowed Young to refine his technique and learn from the coaching staff while being prepared to contribute if called upon.

Young’s tenure with the Steelers concluded when he was released from the practice squad on November 5, 2024. Despite the short stint, his time with the organization added important experience to his growing professional career and demonstrated his ability to compete at the NFL level.

Cincinnati Bengals (2024–2025)

Young continued his NFL journey by signing with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on December 24, 2024. This move positioned him with another AFC North franchise where he could continue his development while being part of a competitive organization. His performance during the latter portion of the 2024 season earned him a continued opportunity.

On January 7, 2025, Young signed a reserve/future contract with the Bengals, securing his place on the roster heading into the 2025 season. The contract represented a significant milestone in his young career and reflected the organization’s confidence in his potential. However, Young was waived by the Bengals on August 25, 2025, opening a new chapter in his professional football journey.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Era (2025–Present)

Following his release from the Bengals, Young found a new professional home with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. On December 30, 2025, it was announced that Young had signed with the Tiger-Cats, providing him with an opportunity to continue his football career in a different league and showcase his abilities to CFL audiences. This move represents a new chapter in his professional development and offers him the chance to compete for playing time in the Canadian market.

Playing Style and Strengths

Craig Young brings versatility to the linebacker position, having demonstrated the ability to contribute in both run defense and pass coverage throughout his career. His experience playing multiple positions in college, including time as a receiver early in high school, has developed his football instincts and spatial awareness. Young displays effective tackling technique and pursuit skills that translate well to professional competition. His time at Kansas under the Jayhawks coaching staff refined his ability to read offensive schemes and react accordingly.

Notable Milestones

Young’s career highlights include his standout 2022 season at Kansas where he recorded 60 tackles with 5.5 sacks and forced a fumble. His collegiate career total includes appearances in 38 games across Ohio State and Kansas with 124 total tackles. His touchdown reception during his final season at Ohio State demonstrated his playmaking ability in crucial moments. The transition from Big Ten competition to the professional ranks, followed by the move to the CFL, represents the breadth of his journey in the sport.

Craig Young Career Statistics

Young has accumulated meaningful statistics across his collegiate career and early professional tenure, demonstrating consistent contributions at each level of competition.

College Career Highlights

During his five collegiate seasons spanning Ohio State and Kansas, Young appeared in 38 games and recorded 124 total tackles with 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, four interceptions, and one forced fumble. His most productive single-season performance came during his first year at Kansas in 2022, where he posted 60 tackles and 4.5 sacks. At Ohio State, his best statistical season came in 2021 when he recorded his only collegiate touchdown alongside 15 tackles and two pass deflections.

Professional Career Path

Since entering the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent in 2024, Young has demonstrated adaptability by signing with four different organizations across two leagues. His journey from the Indianapolis Colts to the Pittsburgh Steelers, then the Cincinnati Bengals, and finally to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats showcases his determination to establish a professional football career. The move to the CFL in late 2025 positions him for expanded opportunities in the Canadian Football League.

2025 Season Performance

Craig Young entered the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Bengals after signing a reserve-future contract in January. The transition from college football to the professional ranks continued to present challenges and learning opportunities throughout the early portion of the season. Young worked to refine his technique and adapt to the speed of NFL competition while contributing on special teams units and defense during practice squad activities.

The latter portion of 2025 brought significant change for Young following his release from the Bengals in August. This moment represented both an ending and a beginning as he sought new opportunities in professional football. His signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in December 2025 provided a fresh start in the Canadian Football League, where he aims to earn a roster spot and contribute to the Tiger-Cats organization.

Looking ahead, Young brings youth and potential to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats lineup as he enters his third professional season. At 25 years old, he has already experienced significant professional football exposure across multiple organizations. The CFL’s distinct rules and playing style offer him an opportunity to develop his game while competing for consistent playing time. Young’s journey from Ohio State and Kansas through the NFL and into the CFL exemplifies the perseverance required to establish a lasting professional football career.