Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech enters 2026 with significant turnover at the most important positions. Quarterback Haynes King, a three-year starter, has graduated, and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner is gone. In their place, former Jackets quarterback George Godsey takes over as offensive coordinator, and Indiana transfer Alberto Mendoza, who spent last year backing up his Heisman-winning brother Fernando, is expected to lead the offense. Head coach Brent Key, who has a 27-20 record in three-plus years, wants a return to a physical, run-heavy style. The offense will lean on a deep backfield, with Michigan transfer Justice Haynes, described by an opposing ACC assistant as a 'savage' with NFL potential, pairing with Malachi Hosley, who led the team's running backs with 697 yards last season.

The defense struggled in 2025, forcing just nine turnovers and recording only 13 sacks, and the program responded by hiring Jason Semore as its fourth defensive coordinator in four years. Semore's mandate is to bring more aggression and create takeaways. The unit lost key contributors on the line and in the secondary, but the staff used the portal to add size up front and bring in cornerbacks Jaylen Mbakwe and Jonas Duclona. Returning safeties Tae Harris and Fenix Felton are expected to step up, while linebackers Kyle Efford and E.J. Lightsey, the team's top two tacklers from last year, will need to adapt to the new system. The turnover at coordinator and in the lineup raises questions, but the talent infusion could pay off if the new scheme takes hold.

The wide receiver and tight end rooms took heavy attrition, but the Jackets brought in reinforcements. Jordan Allen, who had a solid true freshman season, returns as a speedy option, and Elon transfer Isaiah Fuhrmann adds a bigger target. At tight end, multiple transfers will compete for roles in an offense that uses the position creatively. The offensive line also has three new starters, with Ethan Mackenny holding down left tackle and Malachi Carney moving to guard after starting at right tackle in 2025. The mix of returning talent and new faces means the offense could take time to gel, but the pieces are there for a balanced attack.

Kicker Aidan Birr returns after a 2025 season that included multiple clutch field goals, giving the Jackets one of the nation's most reliable legs. The punting job is up for grabs among a transfer, a freshman, and a walk-on, which could be a concern in close games. However, the return game features several dynamic playmakers, which could provide a spark in field position battles. With a young roster and new coordinators, having a dependable kicker like Birr is a significant advantage.

The roster is noticeably younger than in recent years, and the schedule appears tougher, which makes the season's trajectory hard to predict. The scouting report from an opposing ACC assistant noted that King and Faulkner masked many deficiencies, and without them, the team could be average unless the new pieces step up. However, the portal additions at running back, cornerback, and along the line, combined with a proven head coach in Key, give the Jackets a chance to surprise. The opener against Colorado at home, where Tech is a 6.5-point favorite, will be an early test of how quickly this new-look team can come together.