According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Mizzou star edge Zion Young was arrested early Saturday morning. Young was arrested at 1:40AM for a DWI, speeding, and failure to properly affix his license plate. He was booked and then released.
The university is aware of the arrest, and head coach Eli Drinkwitz released a statement on Young.
"We are aware of the situation involving Zion Young," Drinkwitz said in a statement. "We have high expectations for all of our student-athletes, on and off the field, and we will address this matter."
Young arrested ahead of Gator Bowl and NFL Draft preparations
Young, a senior and 2026 NFL Draft prospect, has 6.5 sacks on the season for the Tigers, including 15 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. The 21-year old has been projected as high a second-round pick in this spring's draft.
Young enjoyed a breakout season with the Tigers, setting career numbers in sacks and tackles for loss. While it's unclear if his recent arrest will affect his ability to play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Dec. 27, it's certainly not a good look for his NFL prospects.
The Tigers edge duo of Damon Wilson II and Zion Young has been elite this season. They have combined for 15.5 sacks, but now both are facing legal issues. Wilson is currently being sued by the Univeristy of Georgia for over an unpaid buyout clause in his NIL contract. Now Young adds to the drama with his arrest, leaving the pair of NFL prospects in nebulous circumstances.