By Luke Fletcher | Atlanta, GA

As of January 2026, Georgia Tech has assembled one of its most ambitious and strategically sound transfer portal classes of the Brent Key era. With 19 incoming transfers and a +2 net gain in portal movement, the Yellow Jackets have clearly used the portal not as a patchwork solution, but as a roster-building tool aimed at elevating the program’s competitiveness within the ACC.

The 2026 transfer class is highlighted by proven Power Four talent, former high-level high school recruits, and experienced contributors from across the FBS and FCS levels. Collectively, the group addresses immediate needs on both sides of the ball, most notably along the offensive line, defensive front, and skill positions, while also reinforcing depth across the roster.

Georgia Tech’s approach to the portal this cycle emphasized three core principles:

1. Replace departing starters with experienced options
   
2. Add physicality in the trenches
   
3. Supplement the roster with players who entered college as high-ceiling recruits
   

The most notable addition came on January 5, 2026, when Jaylen Mbakwe, a former five-star recruit from Alabama, committed to Georgia Tech. Mbakwe originally arrived at Alabama as one of the top defensive back prospects in the country before transitioning to wide receiver. During the 2025 season, he appeared in 10 games. With two years of eligibility remaining, Mbakwe gives Georgia Tech a rare blend of athleticism, versatility, and big-program experience. His ability to play multiple roles adds flexibility to an offense undergoing transition.

Georgia Tech also addressed one of its most pressing needs by landing Justice Haynes, a transfer running back with Power Four experience. Haynes was a highly regarded high school recruit and arrived in Atlanta expected to contribute immediately. His presence stabilizes the backfield following offseason departures and gives the offense a dependable option capable of handling a significant workload.

Much of Georgia Tech’s portal work centered on the offensive line, where experience was a priority. The Yellow Jackets added Joseph Ionata and Peyton Joseph, both from Alabama, along with Favour Edwin at tackle from Auburn. Each entered college as a respected high school prospect and now brings valuable development from high-level programs.

The Yellow Jackets bolstered the tight end room with Spencer Mermans (Yale) and Gavin Harris (New Mexico State/Central Michigan), both of whom offer blocking ability and depth.

At quarterback, inexperienced Alberto Mendoza arrives from Indiana to compete for playing time with Graham Knowles and the young QB room following the departures of Haynes King and Aaron Philo.

The goal in 2026 is clear: improve depth, increase competition, and protect a reworked offense.

On defense, Georgia Tech targeted the front seven and secondary. Noah Carter, a former four-star edge rusher from Alabama, provides pass-rush potential and depth along the defensive line. Vincent Carroll-Jackson, a defensive tackle from Uconn joined the Jackets’ in January. Carroll-Jackson  is 6-foot-5 and weighs  315 pounds and should be a force for the defensive line. Linebacker Taje McCoy from Colorado adds physicality in the middle of the defense, while cornerback Jonas Dlona (USF/Wisconsin) brings experience and versatility to the secondary.

Special teams were also addressed with the addition of Cal Keeler, a long snapper from TCU who provides consistency in a critical role.

Position-by-Position Impact Grades

Quarterback: B
Alberto Mendoza adds experience and competition, but the position remains unsettled entering the season. This is indisputably the most critical position to monitor during 2026 spring practices

Running Back: A-
Justice Haynes provides an immediate upgrade and potential every-down option.

Wide Receiver: B+
Jaylen Mbakwe brings upside and versatility, though production will depend on role and consistency.

Tight End: B
Spencer Mermans and Gavin Harris add depth and blocking reliability.

Offensive Line: A
Multiple SEC-developed linemen strengthen depth and raise the unit’s floor.

Defensive Line / Edge: A-
Noah Carter and Jordan Walker give Georgia Tech much-needed pass-rush options. Vincent Carroll-Jackson is expected to provide immediate interior depth and run-stopping capability for Tech’s defensive line.

Linebacker: B
Taje McCoy adds experience and physicality, improving rotational depth.

Secondary: B
Jonas Dlona helps replace departed starters and adds flexibility.

Special Teams: A
Cal Keeler provides stability at a critical specialist position.

Georgia Tech’s 2026 transfer class is less about a complete overhaul and more about targeted improvement. Many of the 19 additions were well-regarded out of high school and now arrive with college experience, aligning with the staff’s emphasis on readiness and fit.

As the Yellow Jackets head into the next season, the portal has provided answers at key positions and added stability across the roster. Whether that translates into a step forward in the ACC will be determined on the field, but the foundation has clearly been strengthened.

For Georgia Tech, this class represents a measured, purposeful reload, one designed to keep the program moving forward rather than starting over.