In a significant boost for the Georgia Bulldogs, head coach Kirby Smart recently announced the reinstatement of wide receiver Colbie Young, who is now fully back with the team for the 2025 season. Young’s return, coupled with the addition of Texas A&M transfer Noah Thomas, provides Georgia with two legitimate X receivers, a development that could reshape the Bulldogs’ offensive outlook and offer crucial support for a first-year starting quarterback, whether it be Gunner Stockton or Ryan Puglisi.
Young, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior, brings a physical presence and a knack for contested catches that Georgia’s receiving corps lacked at times last season. Before his suspension in 2024, he showcased his potential with 11 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns in just five games. His ability to stretch the field and win jump balls makes him a nightmare matchup for defensive backs. Now, with his legal matters resolved, Young’s reinstatement gives Georgia a proven playmaker who can take pressure off the quarterback and open up the offense.
Complementing Young is Noah Thomas, a 6-foot-5, 180-pound transfer from Texas A&M who recorded eight touchdowns for the Aggies last season. Thomas adds another dimension with his length and red-zone prowess, giving Georgia a second true X receiver who can dominate on the outside. Together, Young and Thomas form a formidable duo, capable of stretching defenses vertically and creating mismatches across the field. Their size and catch radius will be invaluable for a young quarterback still finding his footing in the SEC’s unforgiving landscape.
For Gunner Stockton or Ryan Puglisi, both of whom are competing for the starting role with limited experience, having reliable targets like Young and Thomas is a game-changer. The growing pains of a first-year starter can be brutal, but with two big-bodied receivers who can bail them out on 50-50 balls and provide a safety net on timing routes, the transition becomes far less daunting. Add in Zachariah Branch, Dillon Bell, and Nitro Tuggle as dynamic slot and Z receivers and also a trio of tight ends that are as good as any in the nation in Oscar Delp, Lawson Luckie, and Jaden Reddell, and the Georgia passing offense suddenly looks great!
Smart’s decision to reinstate Young signals confidence in the receiver’s growth off the field, and paired with Thomas, it could elevate Georgia’s passing game to new heights. As the Bulldogs aim for another SEC title and a deep playoff run in 2025, this revamped receiving corps might just be the X-factor they need.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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