The Georgia Bulldogs have consistently fielded elite talent at wide receiver, but in recent years, they’ve lacked a true big-bodied tandem at the position. That could change in 2025 with the additions of Colby Young (6’3”, 215 lbs) and Noah Thomas (6’6”, 200 lbs).
For a school known for its dominance in the trenches and elite tight end play, Georgia has rarely paired two physically dominant outside receivers simultaneously. The last true big-bodied duo came in 2019 with George Pickens (6’3”, 200 lbs) and Lawrence Cager (6’5”, 220 lbs). Before that, you’d have to go back to 2017 with Javon Wims (6’4”, 215 lbs) and Riley Ridley (6’2”, 200 lbs). Before them, the last tandem of notable size was the legendary A.J. Green (6’4”, 210 lbs) and Mohamed Massaquoi (6’2”, 210 lbs) in 2008.
Young and Thomas could be next in line.
Colbie Young: A Proven Playmaker
Young arrived in Athens after transferring from Miami, where he showcased his ability to dominate in contested catch situations. He has the frame to outmuscle defensive backs and the body control to make acrobatic catches in traffic. In 2023, he was third on Miami’s team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Young wasted no time in 2024 making his presence felt for Georgia. He had touchdown receptions in each of his first two contests as a Georgia Bulldog and had 11 receptions in the five games he played before his legal troubles began.
Young was suspended for the remainder of the season as charges related to an alleged domestic violence situation played out in the courts. With some of the more serious charges dropped and a plea deal reached on lesser charges, Georgia now could have the player that would have been their starting X receiver back from a year ago, should Young elect to stay.
Noah Thomas: The Next Star?
Thomas, a transfer from Texas A&M, brings even more length to Georgia’s wide receiver room. Standing at 6’6”, 200 pounds, he’s one of the tallest receivers Georgia has ever had. He showed flashes of brilliance for the Aggies, particularly in the red zone, and now has the chance to develop into a primary weapon in Athens. Thomas recorded 73 receptions, 984 yards, and 15 touchdowns in his three seasons in College Station.
Despite the height of Thomas, there is no shortage of straight-line speed or quickness in and out of cuts on routes which gives the former Aggie a great ability to separate downfield. The wingspan of Thomas allows him to make difficult, contested catches over defenders. His height and athleticism will make him a nightmare for SEC defensive backs on his own, but if paired with Young on the other side, it will ensure that one of them gets a one-on-one matchup.
Why This Duo Stands Out
Not only does Georgia rarely have two receivers of this size, but the potential impact of Young and Thomas together is significant. Both are ideal red-zone targets, giving Georgia a pair of big-bodied receivers who can win jump-ball situations. That’s something the Bulldogs haven’t consistently had since George Pickens and Lawrence Cager in 2019. Additionally, their size on the outside would create mismatches for Zachariah Branch, Dillon Bell, and London Humphries in the slot, as well as tight ends Oscar Delp and Lawson Luckie over the middle. The more defenses have to spread out and keep two high safeties, the better the run game and intermediate passing game will be, which will greatly help a Georgia first-season starter at quarterback, whether it be Gunner Stockton or Ryan Puglisi.
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Photo: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire
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