In a development that has certainly caught the attention of Georgia football fans, linebackers Chris Cole and Darren Ikinnagbon found themselves in hot water this week. Both players were arrested and charged with reckless driving, as per the Athens-Clarke County arrest log.
Chris Cole, who was also charged with exceeding the speed limit, was taken into custody at 9:59 p.m. ET.
He didn't spend much time there, posting a $26 bond and being released by 10:39 p.m. Ikinnagbon faced additional charges of following too closely, and after being booked at 10:27 p.m., he posted a $39 bond and was out by 11:08 p.m.
The Georgia team is aware of the situation, with a spokesperson stating, "We are aware of the charges and are actively gathering additional information." Given the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings, the team has chosen not to comment further at this time.
This isn't the first time Georgia's program has faced challenges with driving-related incidents. The past few off-seasons have seen similar issues, with players like Nitro Tuggle, Marques Easley, and Nyier Daniels facing arrests in 2025. All three eventually parted ways with the program.
When asked about the team's approach to such matters, Coach Kirby Smart emphasized a personalized approach: “Each case is a case-by-case basis. We’ll always evaluate things that way based on the total history of the student-athlete, what the actions were, what they entailed.”
Chris Cole is expected to be a cornerstone for Georgia's 2026 squad. Last season, he showcased his talent with 59 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks across all 14 games. Meanwhile, Ikinnagbon, who appeared in five games last season, is anticipated to step into a larger role as he progresses in the program.
As the situation unfolds, the focus will inevitably turn to how these events impact the players and the team moving forward.