SEC champs, yes. But a “crime culture” cloud hung over Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs this season. From DUIs to felonies, the Bulldogs faced it all, turning their locker room into the talk of college football for all the wrong reasons. Over 25 members of the program were arrested for driving violations alone! But the chaos didn’t stop there. Wide receiver Rara Thomas was slapped with felony child cruelty and battery charges, sending shockwaves through the fanbase. Then, just when it seemed like the Bulldogs might be turning a corner, another blow landed—Colbie Young was charged with allegedly assaulting a newborn. But now, with Young’s recent plea, there’s finally a glimmer of hope. Could he be back on the field, rocking that #8 jersey?

After months of legal battles, Young’s team delivered some game-changing news: the original charges—including domestic battery and harm to an unborn child—had been dropped. Instead, Young pleaded no contest to a reduced disorderly conduct charge. His penalty? A year of probation, a $500 fine, and enrollment in a family violence intervention program.

With the legal weight off his shoulders, Young’s future is starting to clear up. Insider Rusty Mansell sees a potential return, albeit with some caution. “You’ve got to be very careful predicting something like that, but there’s a path to get back,” he explained. The reason? Georgia’s wide receiver room is looking a little shaky.

Sure, they landed Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch, but as Mansell pointed out, neither has the “intimidating” factor. And let’s be real—how often do you find a 6’3″, 215-pound beast lining up at receiver? The Bulldogs might just need Young as much as he needs them.

Mansell added, “You had some legal things to clear, and you had to have some University of Georgia did their own investigation. That part’s been cleared now. Now it looks like your legal process is taken care of. What we know is that he is enrolled in school. At this point, all roads tend to lead to he’s gonna play for Georgia next year, which would be a big piece of the puzzle.”

Well, Young’s legal saga began in October, resulting in his arrest and immediate suspension from UGA. But by November, the case took an unexpected turn. The alleged victim stepped forward, requesting that the charges be dropped. This twist gave Young’s attorney, Kim T. Stephens, the leverage to fight for his reinstatement.

Stephens didn’t hold back, arguing that since Young had been “fully exonerated” in the affidavit, he should be allowed back on the team. “Because the affidavit fully exonerates Mr. Young, the University of Georgia should allow him to return to all team activities, including participation in games,” he stated.

So, where does this leave Young? Legally, he’s in the clear. UGA has wrapped up its own investigation, and all signs point toward a return. But the bigger question remains—does Smart want him back?

Will Colbie Young return as a Dawg?

Even after Colbie Young’s recent plea deal, the mystery surrounding his future with the Bulldogs remains. Georgia is keeping tight-lipped, and Kirby Smart isn’t giving anything away. Young, who was expected to exhaust his eligibility after 2024, might have a lifeline—a potential extra year in 2025, thanks to his JUCO background and a possible NCAA rule change.

But will it happen? Smart played it close to the vest when asked about Young’s return to the field during the Sugar Bowl, saying, “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.” While the NCAA’s new rule could grant him another year, Smart’s carefully chosen words leave plenty of room for doubt.

The possibility of that extra year hinges on the NCAA’s evolving stance on JUCO transfers. Young’s time at the JUCO level gives him a potential advantage, opening a window for a 2025 season. With his legal troubles seemingly behind him, Young’s fate with Georgia now rests on how the NCAA’s new rules apply to his specific situation.

Despite limited playing time, Young has flashed his potential. In just five games, he snagged 11 catches for 249 yards and two touchdowns, proving he can be a valuable asset. But his transfer from Miami already complicated his eligibility picture, and the lack of a redshirt year adds another layer of uncertainty.

Even if the NCAA grants him an extra year, the lack of a clear answer from Smart suggests there’s more to the story. The stakes are high, yet a cloud of doubt still hangs over Young’s future. Will he be back in the red and black?