Georgia Gets a Boost with Colbie Young Back at Practice Ahead of Ole Miss Clash
ATHENS - When a 6-foot-4 wide receiver like Colbie Young steps onto the practice field, you notice. When that same wideout is coming off a leg fracture suffered just over two months ago and isn’t wearing a non-contact jersey? That turns heads.
Young, who’s missed Georgia’s last six games, was back on the field this week - and not just going through the motions. He looked like a player testing his range, pushing his limits, and signaling that he’s closer to game-ready than many expected. For a Georgia offense preparing to face Ole Miss in a marquee New Year’s Day matchup, that’s a big development.
Before the injury, Young had carved out a role in the Bulldogs’ passing game, hauling in 23 catches for 336 yards. His size and physicality make him a unique weapon on the perimeter, and while it’s still unclear how much he’ll be involved against the Rebels, the fact that he’s back practicing at full speed is a major step forward.
But Young’s return wasn’t the only storyline coming out of Georgia’s practice sessions this week. With the Jan. 1 showdown looming, here’s what we’re seeing from the Bulldogs on the practice field.
Mixed Bag on the Injury Front
While Young’s return is a clear positive, Georgia was missing a few key contributors. Outside linebacker Gabe Harris, center Drew Bobo, and defensive back Kyron Jones were all absent from practice. That’s something to monitor as Georgia’s depth, particularly on defense, continues to be tested.
On the flip side, the Bulldogs did have several players back in action. Defensive back Joenel Aguero, running back Chauncey Bowens, wide receiver Noah Thomas, and defensive back Zion Branch were all present and active in drills.
At tight end, Oscar Delp was sporting a brace on his left elbow but didn’t appear limited. He remained the first tight end through drills in Todd Hartley’s group. Freshman Ethan Barbour was also back, showing no visible signs of the ankle injury that’s kept him sidelined since the Austin Peay game.
Offensive Line Shuffling
The offensive line saw some notable adjustments. Malachi Toliver took reps as the first-team center, with the rest of the starters holding steady: Dontrell Glover at right guard, Micah Morris at left guard, Monroe Freeling at left tackle, and Earnest Greene anchoring the right side.
It’s worth noting that both Glover and running back Bo Walker were practicing despite their arrests earlier this month. Head coach Kirby Smart hasn’t yet addressed their status publicly, but their presence with the first team suggests they remain in the mix - at least for now.
On the second unit, Daniel Calhoun lined up at left guard while Juan Gaston handled right tackle duties.
Depth Concerns at Outside Linebacker
Without Harris, Georgia’s outside linebacker group is looking thin. Behind veteran Quintavius Johnson, the Bulldogs are leaning on Elo Modozie and Kris Jones. Beyond that, it’s mostly scout team jerseys - freshmen Chase Linton, Isaiah Gibson, and Darren Ikinnagbon all repping there.
That lack of depth could be a concern against an Ole Miss team that loves to stretch the field and challenge edge containment. Georgia may need to get creative with its front seven rotations if Harris remains unavailable.
Early Enrollees Already Making an Appearance
A handful of 2026 signees were spotted at practice, giving fans an early glimpse at the next wave of Bulldog talent. Among the newcomers: offensive tackle Ekene Ogboko, offensive lineman Zykie Helton, defensive lineman PJ Dean, inside linebacker Nick Abrams, and wideouts Craig Dandrige and Ryan Mosley.
Ogboko was wearing a black non-contact jersey, which isn’t unusual for early enrollees adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football. With the NCAA’s updated roster rules, early enrollees now count toward the 105-man limit, so Georgia is being strategic about when and how these players are integrated.
What It All Means
With a top-tier opponent like Ole Miss on deck, Georgia’s practice updates offer both optimism and caution. Getting Colbie Young back is a big plus - especially if he can contribute, even in a limited role. But depth concerns at key positions, particularly outside linebacker and center, could loom large come game day.
As always with Kirby Smart’s program, the Bulldogs are keeping things tight-lipped. But from what we’re seeing on the practice field, Georgia is gearing up for a physical, high-stakes battle to open the new year.