The Georgia Bulldogs have consistently developed elite wide receiver talent, but in recent years, they’ve lacked a true big-bodied duo at the position. That could change in 2025 with the arrivals of Colby Young (6’3”, 215 lbs) and Noah Thomas (6’6”, 200 lbs).
While Georgia is known for its dominance in the trenches and standout tight end play, the program has rarely had two physically imposing outside receivers at the same time. The last such tandem was George Pickens (6’3”, 200 lbs) and Lawrence Cager (6’5”, 220 lbs) in 2019. Before that, it was Javon Wims (6’4”, 215 lbs) and Riley Ridley (6’2”, 200 lbs) in 2017. Looking further back, the most notable pairing was the legendary A.J. Green (6’4”, 210 lbs) and Mohamed Massaquoi (6’2”, 210 lbs) in 2008.
With their size, athleticism, and playmaking ability, Young and Thomas have the potential to become Georgia’s next dominant receiving duo.
Colbie Young: A Proven Playmaker
Young arrived in Athens after transferring from Miami, where he demonstrated his ability to excel in contested catch situations. With his strong frame, he can overpower defensive backs, and his body control allows him to make difficult catches in traffic. In 2023, he ranked third on Miami’s roster in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Wasting no time in 2024, Young quickly made an impact for Georgia, recording touchdown receptions in each of his first two games. Before facing legal troubles, he managed 11 receptions over five games.
Young was suspended for the rest of the season as his alleged domestic violence case proceeded in court. However, with some of the more serious charges dropped and a plea deal reached on lesser offenses, Georgia may have the opportunity to regain the player who was projected to be their starting X receiver—if Young chooses to return.
Noah Thomas: The Next Star?
Thomas, a transfer from Texas A&M, adds even more size to Georgia’s wide receiver corps. At 6’6” and 200 pounds, he is one of the tallest receivers in program history. He showcased his potential with the Aggies, particularly as a red-zone threat, and now has an opportunity to emerge as a primary weapon in Athens. Over three seasons at Texas A&M, Thomas recorded 73 receptions for 984 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Despite his towering frame, Thomas possesses impressive straight-line speed and quickness in and out of his routes, allowing him to create separation downfield. His exceptional wingspan makes him a reliable target in contested catch situations, as he can outreach defenders with ease. His combination of height and athleticism will pose a serious challenge for SEC defensive backs. If lined up opposite Colby Young, defenses will be forced to pick their poison, as one of them is likely to find a favorable one-on-one matchup.
Why This Duo Stands Out
Not only is it rare for Georgia to have two receivers of this size, but the potential impact of pairing Young and Thomas is significant. Both excel as red-zone threats, providing the Bulldogs with a duo capable of winning jump-ball situations—something they haven’t consistently had since George Pickens and Lawrence Cager in 2019.
Their presence on the outside would also create favorable mismatches for slot receivers Zachariah Branch, Dillon Bell, and London Humphries, as well as tight ends Oscar Delp and Lawson Luckie over the middle. With defenses forced to spread out and keep two high safeties, Georgia’s run game and intermediate passing attack would benefit, easing the transition for a first-year starting quarterback—whether that be Gunner Stockton or Ryan Puglisi.
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