Atlantic · 2026

Georgia Tech

2025 record 9–4 6–2 conference
Postseason Pop-Tarts Bowl L 21–25 vs BYU
Head coach Brent Key Year 4
Scheme Spread Pro Style / 4-2-5
Conference
C+

Key’s foundation is real, but QB reset and market skepticism pull this below 2025 form

Portal
B−

Portal #7; Haynes/Mendoza headline a quality class

Depth
C+

RB/LB depth is good; OL and back-seven chemistry are the swing points

Market odds

To Win ACC
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 6.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #9 43 commits · 244.12 pts
Portal #7 19 commits· avg 86.53

Roster notes

Leading story

Replaces Haynes King with Mendoza + a loaded RB room

Offense

QB Alberto Mendoza (Indiana); RBs Justice Haynes / Malachi Hosley / J.P. Powell; WRs Isaiah Fuhrmann, Dalen Penson, Jordan Allen; TE Gavin Harris; OL Ethan Mackenny / Joseph Ionata plus portal pieces

Defense

Kyle Efford / E.J. Lightsey at LB; Jordan Walker and Noah Carter on the edges; Tawfiq Thomas at nose; remade secondary (Jaylen Mbakwe, Daiquan White, Tae Harris, Kelvin Hill)

Key offense

  1. 01
    Justice Haynes RB
    Portal
    • Michigan → GT
    • 2025 (regular season): 121 carries, 857 yds, 10 rushing TD, 7.1 YPC, 13 receptions, 50 yds
  2. 02
    Alberto Mendoza QB
    Portal
    • Indiana → GT
    • 2025 (incl. bowl) backup: 18/24, 286 yds, 5 TD, 1 INT
    • 13 carries, 190 yds, 1 rushing TD
  3. 03
    Malachi Hosley RB
    Returning
    • Returning RB behind Haynes King

Key defense

  1. 01
    Kyle Efford MLB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 77 tackles, 1.5 sacks
    • team tackle leader
  2. 02
    E.J. Lightsey WLB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 76 tackles, 1.0 TFL, 1 PBU
  3. 03
    Jordan Walker DE
    Portal
    • Rutgers → GT
    • 2025 (regular season): 28 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack (2024: 4 sacks)