Georgia Tech can point to a lot of defensive fixes heading into 2026, but one issue sits above the rest: getting off the field on third down.
That was the Yellow Jackets’ biggest problem last season. They finished No. 71 nationally in third-down defense, gave up 71 conversions, and let opponents move the chains at nearly a 40% clip. Nine wins came with that kind of production, but that level of resistance won’t be enough if Georgia Tech wants to take the next step.
The path forward starts with playmakers who can change the game on the money down. That’s especially true up front, where the Yellow Jackets appear to have more juice than they’ve had in a while.
The difference this year is depth. Georgia Tech can rotate bodies along the defensive line without the drop-off that used to show up.
That wasn’t the case a few years ago, and it showed in losses to NC State, Pittsburgh, and even Georgia, when the pass rush couldn’t finish the job often enough.
Coverage is the other piece of the puzzle. The scheme change should help there, too.
Rather than sitting back on third down, Georgia Tech can dial up more pressure and put its cornerbacks and secondary in more one-on-one situations. With Jason Semore taking over as defensive coordinator, the approach is expected to be more aggressive, which fits the new corners the Yellow Jackets brought in, including Jaylen Mbakwe and Jonas Duclona.
And then there’s tackling, the part of third-down defense that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. It matters. If a defender can make a clean open-field stop and keep a runner short of the sticks, that’s how drives end.
Too often last season, Georgia Tech had an offense bottled up only to watch a playmaker slip free, break a couple of tackles, and extend the possession. If the Yellow Jackets want real improvement, they have to finish those plays better and miss fewer tackles in space.
The ingredients are there for progress. The question is whether Georgia Tech can finally solve the down that decides so many drives in college football.
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The problem is that the competition for snaps is wide open, with several freshmen and redshirt players expected to get a real look as the spring and summer unfold. If the newcomers can settle in quickly, Georgia Tech could give Mendoza enough support to stay on schedule and keep pace in the ACC race. If not, this position group could become the one question that hangs over the entire season. [Read more 🡒]