Hamilton Tiger-Cats release rookie linebacker Craig Young

Graphic: 3DownNation (Photo: Hamilton Tiger-Cats)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have released American linebacker Craig Young.

The 24-year-old had appeared in two games this season, dressing in Week 1 against Montreal and Week 7 against Toronto. He recorded one special teams tackle.

Young originally signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2024, but did not make the final roster. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native later spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals before coming north.

Collegiately, the six-foot-three, 225-pound defender spent three seasons at Ohio State (2019–2021) then transferred to the University of Kansas (2022–2023). He appeared in 24 games for the Buckeyes, recorded 25 defensive tackles, half a tackle for loss, one interception returned for 70 yards for a touchdown, and one pass breakup. In 26 games with the Jayhawks, Young recorded 101 defensive tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, six sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-5) will visit the B.C. Lions (2-5) on Saturday, August 8, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Lions beat Winnipeg 35-19 at Princess Auto Stadium last week, while the Ticats lost 44-20 at home to the Calgary Stampeders.

The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in on 730 CKNW (English) or Sher-E-Punjab Radio AM 600 (Punjabi) in Vancouver or the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.