Two More Georgia Football Players Arrested on Driving Charges

Incidents continue trend of driving-related arrests for UGA players

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Two more University of Georgia football players, junior linebacker Chris Cole and sophomore edge Darren Ikinnagbon, were arrested on Wednesday night on various driving-related charges, including reckless driving and speeding. This marks the 13th known instance of Georgia players being arrested on driving charges since a 2023 car crash that killed a player and staff member.

Why it matters

The string of driving-related arrests among Georgia football players has become a concerning pattern for the program, raising questions about player discipline, team culture, and the broader issue of athlete behavior off the field. The program has taken steps to address the problem, but the continued incidents suggest more work may be needed.

The details

Cole was booked on one count of reckless driving and one count of speeding over the maximum limit, while Ikinnagbon was arrested and charged with three misdemeanors: reckless driving, speeding, and following too closely. The players were arrested and released at separate times on Wednesday night, within an hour of each other. While misdemeanor traffic charges typically do not lead to additional jail time, the program's history with driving arrests could lead to harsher internal punishment for Cole and Ikinnagbon.

  • On January 2023, a car crash killed Georgia player Devin Willock and staffer Chandler LeCroy.
  • In November 2025, reserve offensive lineman Nyjer Daniels was dismissed from the program after being charged with a felony following a traffic arrest.
  • In 2025, receiver Nitro Tuggle and offensive lineman Marques Easley entered the transfer portal shortly after traffic arrests for which they were charged with misdemeanors.

The players

Chris Cole

A junior linebacker who was fourth on the team in tackles last season.

Darren Ikinnagbon

A sophomore edge player for the Georgia football team.

Devin Willock

A Georgia football player who was killed in a 2023 car crash.

Chandler LeCroy

A Georgia football staff member who was killed in a 2023 car crash.

Nyjer Daniels

A former reserve offensive lineman who was dismissed from the Georgia football program after being charged with a felony following a traffic arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Each case is a case-by-case basis. And we'll always evaluate things on a case-by-case basis, based on the student-athlete's history and the particulars of the case.”

— Kirby Smart, Georgia Football Head Coach

What’s next

The program will likely evaluate the specific circumstances of Cole and Ikinnagbon's arrests and determine any internal disciplinary measures, which could include suspensions or dismissal from the team depending on their prior records and the severity of the charges.

The takeaway

The continued pattern of driving-related arrests among Georgia football players underscores the need for the program to further strengthen its player accountability measures and address the broader culture issues that may be contributing to this problem. Maintaining player discipline off the field is crucial for upholding the team's reputation and ensuring the safety of the community.