Brent Key returns for his fourth season after guiding the Yellow Jackets to a 9-4 record in 2025. Indiana transfer QB Alberto Mendoza, who was part of last year’s national championship team while his brother won the Heisman and went No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, takes over for Haynes King (now with the Panthers). George Godsey is the new offensive coordinator, coming over from the Baltimore Ravens staff last year. The Yellow Jackets hit a home run by acquiring Michigan transfer Justice Haynes, who had 122 yards per game last year for the Wolverines. Malachi Hosley is a good change-up, making them a dangerous 1-2 punch. Georgia Tech returns just two of their top eight receivers from a year ago, with several losses to the transfer portal and the NFL. The Yellow Jackets are high on Elon transfer Isaiah Fuhrmann, but it’s no secret this group isn’t as talented as they were a year ago. Ethan Mackenny and Malachi Carney return on the offensive line, but the Yellow Jackets will break in three new starters.

New defensive coordinator Jason Semore is blessed to have two outstanding linebackers in EJ Lightsey and Kyle Efford, both of whom led the team in tackling a year ago. Georgia Tech will have a few new faces on the defensive line as they welcome in Jordan Walker from Rutgers, Tawfiq Thomas from Colorado, and Noah Carter from Alabama. The secondary lacks an identity, as there isn’t a glaring superstar, but one must step up and lead the group.

Aidan Birr is back as the place kicker, where he connected on 86% of his attempts last year. Rice transfer Alex Bacchetta will be the new punter. Rahkeem Smith will handle the kickoff return duties while newly acquired cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe from Alabama will look to win the job as the punt returner. If the offensive line can open lanes for Haynes and Hosley, the Yellow Jackets should be dangerous on the ground. With outstanding linebackers anchoring the defense, Georgia Tech has the pieces to remain competitive in 2026.