Craig Young Bio
Craig Young (born March 13, 2001) is an American professional football linebacker. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Young developed into a versatile defensive player through the high school ranks before continuing his career at the college level. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, he has bounced between several organizations, working to establish himself at the sport’s highest level. He currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Early Life and Background
Craig Young was born on March 13, 2001, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and grew up in the same city. He attended Wayne High School in Fort Wayne, where he first showcased the athletic ability that would later define his football career. As a multi-position defender, Young drew attention from college recruiters with his combination of instincts and physicality.
In his junior season at Wayne, Young hauled in 29 receptions for 367 yards and four touchdowns on offense while also producing 27 tackles, one and a half sacks, and three interceptions on defense. That two-way production helped him stand out among Midwestern prospects. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a three-star recruit and held scholarship offers from programs including Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. He ultimately committed to play college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Path to American Football
Young’s path to professional football began when he joined the Ohio State Buckeyes as part of their 2019 recruiting class. The move placed him in one of the most competitive defensive rooms in college football, where he had to earn his playing time early. The exposure to top-tier coaching and weekly competition against Big Ten offenses helped shape his understanding of the linebacker position.
After gaining experience at Ohio State, Young entered the NCAA transfer portal at the end of the 2021 season in search of a larger role. He transferred to the Kansas Jayhawks, where he became a more productive defender. At Kansas, Young demonstrated the coverage skills and tackling consistency that had been building throughout his college career, setting the stage for his professional opportunity following the 2023 season.
Craig Young Career
Early Career at Ohio State (2019–2021)
Young appeared in 14 games during his first two seasons at Ohio State in 2019 and 2020, recording eight tackles while adjusting to the speed of the collegiate game. As he continued to develop within the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme, his snap count grew. In the 2021 season, he played in 12 games and posted 15 tackles, half a sack, a pass deflection, an interception, and a touchdown, flashing the playmaking potential that would later become a hallmark of his game.
One of his most memorable moments at Ohio State came in week twelve of the 2021 season, when he recorded three tackles with half a tackle for a loss in a win over Michigan State. By the end of his Ohio State tenure, Young had totaled 23 tackles, half a tackle for a loss, two interceptions, and a touchdown across his career in Columbus. Seeking a more prominent role, he entered the NCAA transfer portal following the 2021 campaign.
Kansas Jayhawks Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Young transferred to play for the Kansas Jayhawks and immediately became a key contributor on defense. In week three of the 2022 season, he recorded seven tackles, including one for a loss, along with a sack in a win over Houston, signaling his arrival as an impact player in the Big 12. Across the 2022 season, Young notched 60 tackles with five and a half tackles for loss, four and a half sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble, emerging as one of the conference’s more productive linebackers.
In his final college season in 2023, Young posted 41 tackles with five tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks, three pass deflections, and an interception, continuing to show steady development. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft and accepted an invitation to the 2024 Hula Bowl, an all-star showcase that offered him one more opportunity to impress NFL scouts before turning professional.
Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Young signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career in the AFC South. He spent the preseason with Indianapolis but was waived on August 27, 2024, as teams trimmed their rosters ahead of the regular season. The release did not slow his momentum, as another opportunity quickly followed.
On October 16, 2024, Young signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, joining a defensive group known for its physicality. He was released by the Steelers on November 5, 2024, after a short stint with the organization. Each stop gave Young additional reps at the professional level and exposure to different defensive systems, helping him refine his craft.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2024–Present)
On December 24, 2024, Young was signed to the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad, giving him a late-season opportunity in the AFC North. He then signed a reserve/future contract with Cincinnati on January 7, 2025, securing his place with the organization beyond that campaign. The Bengals invested in his upside, signaling a belief that his skill set could translate into a larger role going forward.
On August 25, 2025, Young was waived by the Bengals as the team shaped its initial regular-season roster. Even after the waiver, his path through the NFL reflects persistence, having already been part of three franchises within a single calendar year. He continues to pursue his professional career at the highest level of American football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Young’s signature college moments was his week three performance against Houston in 2022, when he tallied seven tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack in a winning effort. His interception return for a touchdown during the 2021 season at Ohio State stands as another career milestone, showcasing his nose for the football. His invitation to the 2024 Hula Bowl further validated his standing as a draft-eligible prospect worth evaluating.
Craig Young Career Wins
Craig Young’s career highlights are best measured through his individual statistical production rather than team championship victories. At the college level, he produced 124 tackles, six and a half tackles for loss, six sacks, three interceptions, and a touchdown across his time at Ohio State and Kansas. His professional résumé remains in its early stages, with stints on practice squads for the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals shaping his path through the league.
Craig Young Family
Personal Life
Craig Young was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he attended Wayne High School and developed into a Division I football recruit. Public details about his immediate family and personal relationships are limited, and he has largely kept his private life out of the public eye. As his professional career continues, additional biographical information may become more widely available.
2025 Season Performance
Craig Young entered the 2025 NFL calendar with a reserve/future contract from the Cincinnati Bengals after signing the deal on January 7, 2025. The agreement gave him a full offseason to learn the team’s defensive scheme and compete for a role on the depth chart. His combination of college production at Kansas and prior practice-squad experience positioned him as a developmental prospect worth monitoring.
On August 25, 2025, Young was waived by the Bengals as the organization trimmed its roster ahead of the regular season. Despite the release, his familiarity with multiple defensive systems from previous stops adds to his appeal as a potential practice-squad or rotational signing elsewhere in the league. The coming weeks of the 2025 season will likely determine his next professional opportunity.
Looking ahead, Young remains focused on earning a sustained role in the NFL, whether back with Cincinnati or on another AFC roster. His path from a three-star recruit out of Fort Wayne to multiple professional opportunities reflects a steady climb built on versatility and special-teams value. If he can stay healthy and continue to refine his coverage skills, a more permanent roster spot remains within reach.