Mizzou defensive star declares for NFL Draft
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou standout defensive end Zion Young is taking his talents to the next level.
Following two tremendous seasons in the black and gold, the Georgia native has declared for the NFL Draft. In a post on social media, Young said, "I would like to thank Eli and the University of Missouri for a detrimental change that was needed. Brian Early I thank you for everything. I will forever be Sack Ave/ To my Tiger brothers I thank y'all for taking me."
Playing opposite of fellow star defensive end Damon Wilson, Young wreaked havoc on opposing offense through the 2025 campaign. He ended his senior season with 42 tackles (20 solo), as well as team-best 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 14 quarterback hurries. As a result, Pro Football Focus ranks Young as the No. 28 pass rusher this past season.
Through two seasons, Young's impact cannot be understated. In total, he racked up 34 solo tackles, 22 tackles for loss for more than 100 yards, nine sacks, five passes defended, three forced fumbles and one game-winning fumble recovery against Oklahoma in 2024.
Young started his career off a Michigan State, despite being recruited by head coach Eli Drinkwitz out of high school. As a two-year member of the Spartan program, he appeared in 20 games with 11 starts, registering 47 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and seven quarterback pressures.
As of now, the Tiger standout is projected as a mid-to-late second round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
