The status of one of Missouri's star players was in doubt for the Gator Bowl after an arrest earlier this month. Defensive end Zion Young, who was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and speeding, looks to be a go for Saturday's game.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz confirmed on Friday that defensive end Zion Young will play in the Gator Bowl.
Zion Young cleared to play in Gator Bowl
Young, who is also a projected second to third round pick in this spring's NFL Draft, had a career year with the Tigers, posting 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. But an arrest earlier this month put a damper on his 2025 season, leaving his status for the bowl game up in the air.
At the time of the arrest, Drinkwitz expressed his disappoint with Young, but made no mention of his status for the game.
"Disappointed with the actions of Zion Young and the decision making that he had as a team captain and player," Drinkwitz said. "We love Zion. We will handle all discipline internally. And young men make mistakes, it’s something that we can all learn and grow from and understand the seriousness and significance of that decision. And we've got to do a better job educating our guys not to make that decision and put people in harm's way, so we will do that."
After dealing with the issues, Young will play, and give Drinkwitz a crucial element off the edge. The Tigers will take on Virginia on Dec. 27 at 6:30 central on ABC.