Missouri DE Zion Young Arrested Ahead of Gator Bowl, Faces Questions About NFL Draft Stock
Missouri defensive end Zion Young, a former Michigan State standout, is facing serious scrutiny just weeks before the Gator Bowl and months ahead of the NFL Draft. Young was reportedly arrested Saturday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and speeding, casting a shadow over what had been a strong final collegiate season.
The University of Missouri is aware of the incident, and head coach Eli Drinkwitz acknowledged that the program is “evaluating the situation and next steps.” For Young, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Not only is Missouri preparing for a high-profile matchup against Virginia in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 27, but Young had also accepted an invitation to the Panini Senior Bowl - a key showcase for NFL hopefuls. Now, both his immediate playing status and long-term draft outlook are uncertain.
A Promising Career, Now Under the Microscope
Zion Young’s college journey has been anything but ordinary. Originally recruited to Michigan State during the Mel Tucker era, Young flashed early potential as a disruptive edge presence. Over two seasons in East Lansing, he tallied 47 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks - solid numbers for a young defensive lineman still developing his game.
But his time at Michigan State wasn’t without controversy. Spartan fans will remember the 2022 postgame tunnel altercation at Michigan, where Young was caught on video swinging at a Wolverines player.
He later accepted a plea deal on a misdemeanor aggravated assault charge. Despite that incident, many in East Lansing still believed in his upside - a high-motor pass rusher with the tools to become a star.
After the coaching change from Tucker to Jonathan Smith, Young opted for a fresh start, entering the transfer portal and landing in Columbia with the Missouri Tigers. That move turned out to be a pivotal one for his football future.
Dominating in the SEC
Young didn’t just blend in at Missouri - he broke out. In 2024, his first season in the SEC, he posted 42 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks across 13 games.
But it was his 2025 campaign that truly turned heads. He racked up 38 tackles, a whopping 15 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, earning him First-Team All-SEC honors.
Those numbers don’t just look good on paper - they speak to a player who matured in his role and consistently impacted games against top-tier competition. Young’s combination of speed, strength, and relentless pursuit made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and he was beginning to draw serious attention from NFL scouts.
A Setback at the Worst Possible Time
That momentum now faces a major test. This recent arrest marks the second off-field incident of Young’s college career, and while teams may have been willing to overlook the first as a youthful mistake, this latest development is harder to ignore - especially given his status as a senior leader.
NFL teams place a premium on character and decision-making, particularly for players expected to contribute early. A DWI arrest just weeks before a bowl game raises red flags about judgment, and it could force front offices to take a closer look during the pre-draft process. Interviews, background checks, and team meetings will now carry even more weight for Young.
The good news? Talent still matters - and Young has plenty of it.
His on-field production and physical traits will keep him in the draft conversation. But instead of being a potential Day 2 pick, he may now have to fight his way back up boards through strong performances at the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine, and in private workouts.
What’s Next?
Missouri has yet to announce whether Young will be available for the Gator Bowl. If he plays, it’ll be a chance to remind scouts of the player he is between the lines. If not, the next time we see him could be in Mobile for the Senior Bowl - assuming he’s still invited.
One thing is clear: Zion Young’s path to the NFL just got more complicated. The talent is undeniable, but the off-field questions are now front and center. How he responds - both on and off the field - will determine where he lands come draft weekend.