Colbie Young Enters Bengals Preseason Opener with Momentum and a Point to Prove
CINCINNATI — When the Cincinnati Bengals take the field Thursday night against the Detroit Lions for their preseason opener, all eyes will be on the rookies and roster hopefuls fighting for a spot. Among them, fourth-round pick Colbie Young has generated a level of buzz rarely seen for a backup receiver on a team with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. After two weeks of training camp where he consistently made acrobatic catches and earned praise from his quarterback, Young will finally get the chance to showcase his skills in a game environment.
Young, selected with the 140th overall pick in April's NFL Draft, enters the contest as a projected backup but with a realistic path to the WR3 role. His goal is simple, as he told FOX19's Jeremy Rauch: "Prove that I belong." The 6-foot-4, 218-pound receiver has already turned heads in camp with his ability to high-point contested catches, but Thursday represents his first opportunity to translate that practice success into live-game production.
The preseason opener is a critical juncture for Young. While the Bengals' starters are expected to play limited snaps, Young will likely see extended action. A strong performance could solidify his position on the depth chart and build on the trust he has already earned from Joe Burrow, who has reportedly looked for Young on specific plays during practice.
From JUCO to Georgia: The Long Road to Cincinnati
Young's path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. He began his collegiate career at Lackawanna College, a junior college known for producing talent, where he caught 24 passes for 472 yards and nine touchdowns in his lone season. That performance earned him scholarship offers from numerous Power 4 programs, and he ultimately transferred to Miami (FL).
At Miami, Young quickly established himself as a reliable target. In 2022, he started midseason and finished with 367 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns on 22 receptions. The following year, he became a leader in the receiver room, amassing 562 yards and five touchdowns on 47 catches, finishing third on the team in all major categories.
Seeking a new challenge, Young transferred to Georgia for his final collegiate season. He started strong, posting 149 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 catches through the first five games. However, his season was cut short when he was suspended by head coach Kirby Smart following an arrest for battery and assault of an unborn child. Young was later reinstated and rejoined the team, finishing the season with 26 catches for 358 yards and one touchdown.
Despite the off-field incident, the Bengals took a chance on Young in the fourth round, drawn to his physical tools and potential. Draft analysts noted his size compares favorably to Tee Higgins, but also flagged character concerns that have followed him from college. Young has acknowledged the past, but he's focused on moving forward and proving he can be a dependable professional.
Burrow's Trust: A Rookie's Most Valuable Asset
One of the most telling developments of training camp has been Joe Burrow's apparent confidence in Young. When asked about it, Young said that trust "means everything to me." For a rookie receiver competing for snaps on a Super Bowl-caliber offense, earning the quarterback's trust early is crucial.
Young attributes his quick assimilation to a deep understanding of the playbook. "Once I got the playbook down," he said, "the plays just started coming after that." That preparation has allowed him to line up at multiple positions—outside and in the slot—making him a versatile weapon for offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher.
Young's ability to win 50-50 balls is another reason Burrow has taken notice. "Those 50-50 balls that might be contested balls to other people really is pretty easy for me," Young said, citing his size and reach as advantages. In practice, he has repeatedly high-pointed throws over defenders, a skill that could translate immediately to red-zone situations.
Beyond physical attributes, Young has shown a commitment to the mental side of the game. He's been described as a "student of the game," putting in extra time to learn protections, route adjustments, and coverage reads. That diligence has not gone unnoticed by his veteran teammates.
The Battle for WR3: Young vs. Iosivas
The Bengals' wide receiver depth chart is headlined by Chase and Higgins, but the No. 3 spot is up for grabs. Incumbent Andrei Iosivas currently holds that role, but Young's camp performance has made it a genuine competition. Iosivas, a 2023 sixth-round pick, has shown flashes but has yet to fully secure the job.
Beyond Young, undrafted free agent Dohnte Meyers has also impressed in camp, earning praise from Chase as a potential breakout candidate. Meyers, who spent time in the CFL, brings a different skill set, but Young's draft capital and physical profile give him an edge in the race.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has said most starters will play in the preseason opener, but how much remains to be seen. For Young, that means opportunities against both first-team and second-team defenses. A strong showing could force the coaching staff to give him more first-team reps in the following weeks.
The battle for WR3 is not just about playing time—it's about roster security and future earning potential. With Chase and Higgins locked into long-term extensions, Young is competing for a role that could see him on the field in three-receiver sets. The Bengals used 11 personnel (three receivers) on a majority of snaps last season, making the WR3 position a significant part of the offense.
Preseason Superstars and the Bengals' History
Every year, a preseason hero emerges for the Bengals. Last year, it was Mitchell Tinsley; the year before, Maema Njongmeta. These players often use strong August performances to secure roster spots or increased roles. Young has the potential to be that player in 2026.
But Young is not an undrafted free agent fighting for a paycheck—he's a fourth-round pick with a defined skill set and a path to playing time. His situation is more similar to that of former Bengals receivers who used strong preseasons to launch productive careers.
The preseason also offers a chance for Young to put his past behind him. The character concerns that followed him from Georgia have been a topic of discussion, but his work ethic and demeanor in camp have impressed coaches and teammates. A clean performance on Thursday would help shift the narrative firmly toward his on-field abilities.
What a Strong Debut Could Mean for Young and the Bengals
If Young performs well against the Lions, it could have implications beyond the preseason. It would reinforce Burrow's trust, strengthen his case for the WR3 role, and signal to the coaching staff that he can be counted on in meaningful games. Conversely, a quiet outing wouldn't necessarily doom his chances, but it would give Iosivas and Meyers an opening to close the gap.
For the Bengals, Young's emergence would add another weapon to an already potent offense. His size and jump-ball ability provide a different dimension than Chase's speed or Higgins' route-running. In the red zone, Young could become a valuable target, especially in goal-to-go situations where contested catches are at a premium.
Young's versatility also allows the Bengals to use him in a variety of packages without tipping their hand. Whether lined up outside, in the slot, or even in motion, he presents matchup problems for opposing defenses. This flexibility could be a key factor as the team prepares for a deep playoff run.
Beyond the immediate competition, Young's development is part of a broader trend in the NFL: teams investing in big-bodied receivers who can win in contested situations. As defenses continue to employ more two-deep safety looks, offenses need receivers who can win one-on-one downfield. Young fits that mold perfectly.
The Road Ahead: More Than Just One Game
While Thursday's preseason opener is a significant milestone, it's just one step in a long journey. Young will need to maintain his performance through the remainder of camp and the regular season. The transition from college to the NFL is challenging, and the preseason provides only a glimpse of what's to come.
Young faces a steep learning curve, but he has already shown the ability to adapt. His journey through JUCO, Miami, and Georgia taught him resilience. Each stop forced him to adjust to new systems and expectations. In Cincinnati, he's surrounded by a stable organization and a franchise quarterback who believes in him.
The Bengals open the regular season against the Cleveland Browns on September 13. Before that, Young will have two more preseason games to cement his status. If he continues to impress, he could see meaningful snaps in Week 1.
For now, Thursday night is all that matters. Young will run out of the tunnel at Paycor Stadium, fulfilling a childhood dream. He'll line up against the Lions' defense, likely seeing the field early and often. And with Joe Burrow watching from the sidelines, he'll get a chance to prove that his training camp buzz is more than just a mirage.
As the Bengals community watches with anticipation, one thing is clear: Colbie Young is ready to show he belongs. The preseason stage is set, and the spotlight is his to seize.
Note: This article is part of ongoing NFL coverage. For more on the Bengals' preseason and roster battles, check out our Zach Bryan Denver Concerts: Storm Threat, Traffic, and RTD Preparations and Extreme Heat Warnings Sweep Globe as UK Faces Hottest Summer on Record for a look at other current events.
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