Craig Young Bio
Craig Young (born March 13, 2001) is an American professional football linebacker. He began his career in the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent and has since competed in both the NFL and the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Young built a versatile resume across multiple stops. He attended Wayne High School before playing college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2019 to 2021 and then transferring to the Kansas Jayhawks from 2022 to 2023. Following the 2024 NFL draft, he joined the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals, and later signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.
Early Life and Background
Craig Young was born on March 13, 2001, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He grew up in the Fort Wayne area and attended Wayne High School, where he developed into a multi-purpose athlete on both sides of the ball. Listed at 6 feet 3 inches and around 225 pounds, Young has the frame of a modern hybrid defender.
During his junior season at Wayne, Young made an impact on offense and defense, hauling in 29 receptions for 367 yards and four touchdowns while also contributing 27 tackles, a sack and a half, and three interceptions. That all-around production helped establish him as a versatile prospect heading into his senior year.
Coming out of high school, Young was rated as a three-star recruit. He drew scholarship offers from several programs, including Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Ultimately, he committed to play college football at Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over his other suitors.
Path to American Football
Young’s path to the professional level began in earnest with his commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Joining a program with a strong track record of producing NFL talent, he entered a deep linebacker room and worked to carve out a role on special teams and defense during his first two seasons.
In 2019 and 2020, Young appeared in 14 games for Ohio State, recording eight tackles. His role grew in 2021, when he notched 15 tackles, half a sack, a pass deflection, an interception, and a touchdown across 12 games. That interception return for a score highlighted his nose for the football and his versatility as a defender.
After the 2021 season, Young entered the NCAA transfer portal and eventually landed at Kansas. The move gave him a larger opportunity to showcase his range as an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher, and it set up his transition to the NFL draft process after the 2023 campaign.
Craig Young Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
Young’s early career was defined by steady development at two major college programs. At Ohio State, he served in a rotational role from 2019 through 2021, finishing his Buckeyes career with 23 tackles, half a tackle for a loss, two interceptions, and a touchdown.
After transferring to the Kansas Jayhawks, his production rose sharply. In 2022, Young recorded 60 tackles with five and a half for a loss, four and a half sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. He closed his college career in 2023 with 41 tackles, five for a loss, a sack and a half, three pass deflections, and an interception, and accepted an invitation to the 2024 Hula Bowl.
Indianapolis Colts Breakthrough (2024)
Young declared for the 2024 NFL draft following his senior season at Kansas. After going undrafted, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career inside a linebacker group that emphasized speed and coverage ability.
His initial stint in Indianapolis was brief. Young was waived by the Colts on August 27, 2024, but he remained on NFL radars thanks to his special teams upside and defensive athleticism.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024)
On October 16, 2024, Young signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. The move gave him a chance to continue developing within a defensive system known for producing versatile linebackers and strong special teams units.
His time in Pittsburgh lasted less than a month. He was released by the Steelers on November 5, 2024, but he quickly attracted interest from another AFC North organization.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2024–2025)
On December 24, 2024, Young was signed to the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad, giving him a late-season opportunity to prepare for a potential promotion to the active roster. On January 7, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with Cincinnati, locking in his place with the organization for the offseason program.
Despite the future contract, Young was waived by the Bengals on August 25 as teams trimmed toward their regular-season rosters. He continued to train and wait for his next opportunity.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Era (2025–Present)
On December 30, 2025, it was announced that Young had signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. The Tiger-Cats are based in Hamilton, Ontario, and compete in the CFL as part of the East Division.
The move to the CFL represented a fresh start and a chance to play a larger defensive role. Young joined Hamilton as an American player and is listed as an active linebacker on the team’s roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Young’s college career came during the 2021 season at Ohio State, when he notched an interception and returned it for a touchdown. His all-around production at Kansas, including 4.5 sacks in 2022, marked him as one of the more versatile linebacker prospects in his draft class.
Craig Young Career Wins
As a defensive player, Young’s statistical wins are measured in production rather than head-to-head results. Across his college and professional career, he has accumulated tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles, with his biggest statistical season coming at Kansas in 2022.
College Highlights
Young’s most productive college season came in 2022 with the Kansas Jayhawks, when he recorded 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. His 2023 campaign added 41 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and an interception.
Professional Performances
At the professional level, Young has spent time on practice squads with the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals. His signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in December 2025 marked his first confirmed active-roster opportunity in professional football.
Craig Young Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Craig Young’s immediate family are limited, and no verified information about parents, siblings, or a family football lineage has been published in available sources.
Personal Life
Young is not publicly confirmed to be married, and no information about a spouse or children has been verified. He maintains an active presence on social media under the handle @YoungCJB on X and @lilmild on Instagram.
2025 Season Performance
Craig Young spent the early part of 2025 with the Cincinnati Bengals after signing a reserve/future contract in January. He participated in the team’s offseason program as he worked to earn a spot on the regular-season roster.
On August 25, 2025, Young was waived by the Bengals as part of the league’s roster reduction. He remained a free agent into the late fall as he continued to train and evaluate his options.
On December 30, 2025, Young’s signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was announced, opening a new chapter in his professional career in the CFL. The agreement gave him a path to meaningful playing time and positioned him for a fresh start in 2026.