The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed American linebacker Craig Young and re-signed American defensive lineman Caiden Woullard.
The 24-year-old Young went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He appeared in three preseason games and registered eight defensive tackles, five solo. The Fort Wayne, Indiana native spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals late in 2024 and again in 2025, suiting up in three preseason games, recording nine defensive tackles, four solo.
Collegiately, the six-foot-three, 225-pound LB 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, 14 solo, 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, 71 solo, 10.5 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, six sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Woullard originally signed with the Ticats in September 2025 and spent time on the team’s practice roster.
The six-foot-four, 264-pound d-lineman played at Miami University (2021–2023) and the University of Oklahoma (2024) during his NCAA career. He appeared in 38 games for the RedHawks, recording 75 defensive tackles, 35 solo, 17.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, five passes defended, and three forced fumbles. In his senior season with the Sooners, the Massillon, Ohio native played in 11 games, notching 13 defensive tackles, four solo, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one pass defended.
Hamilton finished first in the East Division standings in 2025 with an 11-7 record, though the team lost the East Final to the Montreal Alouettes. Bo Levi Mitchell led the CFL with 5,296 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions after starting all 18 regular-season games, earning the East Division’s nomination for Most Outstanding Player.
The Tiger-Cats ranked third in net offence, eighth in net defence, and first with a turnover differential of plus-ten. The team’s leading rusher was Greg Bell with 1,038 yards, leading receiver was Kenny Lawler with 1,443 yards, and leading tackler was Stavros Katsantonis with 69 tackles. Hamilton ranked fourth in attendance with average crowds of 22,858, which was a 3.9 percent increase from the previous year.
