Brent Key enters his fourth season at Georgia Tech following a 9-4 campaign in 2025. On offense, George Godsey takes over as coordinator after previously coaching with the Baltimore Ravens. Indiana transfer Alberto Mendoza joins the program as the starting quarterback. From there, Michigan transfer Justice Haynes headlines a deep running-back room after averaging 122 rushing yards per game last season, while Malachi Hosley also returns after a productive 2025 season. Georgia Tech must replace six of its top eight receivers from last season. Jordan Allen and Dalen Penson return in the receiving corps, while Elon transfer Isaiah Fuhrmann joins the group. Allen, Fuhrmann, and Penson entered the season at wide receiver. At tight end, Georgia Tech has several options, with Chris Corbo, Gavin Harris, Spencer Mermans, and Kevin Roche Jr. all expected to contribute. Up front, the offensive line returns full-time starters Ethan Mackenny and Malachi Carney after both started all 13 games last season. Overall, Georgia Tech entered the season with three new starters along the line.
Jason Semore takes over as defensive coordinator. Georgia Tech returns four of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including its top two in linebackers Kyle Efford and E.J. Lightsey. Cayman Spaulding also returns at linebacker and provides additional experience at the position. From there, Rutgers transfer Jordan Walker, Colorado transfer Tawfiq Thomas, and Alabama transfer Noah Carter join a revamped defensive front. The Yellow Jackets have several options along the defensive line and are expected to use a deep rotation. In the secondary, Zachary Tobe, Kelvin Hill, and Savion Riley return, while Alabama transfer Jaylen Mbakwe joins the group at cornerback. Mbakwe and Daiquan White entered the season atop the cornerback depth chart, with Kelvin Hill at nickel and Savion Riley and Tae Harris at safety. Update (Sept. 21): CB Jaylen Mbakwe remains sidelined after suffering an injury against Tennessee that required hospitalization. Mbakwe was released the following day, and head coach Brent Key said he is expected to return this season.
In special teams, Tim Salem enters his second season overseeing the unit. Aidan Birr returns at placekicker after converting 86% of his field-goal attempts last season, while Rice transfer Alex Bacchetta joins the program at punter. Rahkeem Smith returns with kickoff-return experience, while Jordan Allen entered the season atop the depth chart at punt returner. Overall, Georgia Tech enters 2026 with new coordinators on both sides of the ball, considerable turnover in the receiving corps, and four of its top eleven tacklers returning on defense. Even so, the Yellow Jackets retain experience at linebacker and along portions of the offensive line while adding several high-profile transfers at quarterback, running back, defensive line, and cornerback.