Georgia Tech’s safety room might be the piece that pushes this defense into a different tier.
For a program that has spent years trying to strengthen the back end, the Yellow Jackets may finally have the right mix. This group has more talent than Georgia Tech has had in recent seasons, and outside of the defensive line, it stands as the strongest part of the defense.
Tae Harris looks ready to become a star. The freshman put up 20 tackles, two pass deflections and a forced fumble in a limited role last season, and his workload is already growing.
He also saw time at nickel behind Kelvin Hill, which matters because that kind of flexibility can be used in different matchups during the season. Harris can move around, handle multiple spots and give Georgia Tech a more complete defensive back.
Fenix Felton is another name to watch. He got action in the final game against Georgia, and the coaching staff came away impressed.
He has been a talking point this offseason as someone who probably should have seen the field more. The expectation is that he starts at safety opposite Harris, and his physical style jumps off the page.
He hits hard, he tackles well, and he looks like a player ready to take a step forward.
Then there’s Savion Riley, the veteran presence in the group. He’s healthy again, and that alone changes things for Georgia Tech.
Riley had his best spring with the Yellow Jackets and then backed it up by leading the team in tackles in the spring game. He may not get the loudest buzz, but his leadership and communication matter, especially when games tighten up late.
Kealan Jones adds another layer of intrigue. The true freshman has already turned heads, and he could carve out a role similar to the one Harris had as a freshman. A former four-star prospect, Jones has the kind of upside that makes you pay attention early.
Alex Hunt and Chris Hewitt Jr. are also players to keep in mind, especially on special teams.
Put it all together, and Georgia Tech has a safety group with depth, experience and young talent on the rise. There are multiple players here with All-ACC potential, and with the Yellow Jackets putting more emphasis on forcing turnovers, this looks like the unit that could lead that charge.
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The path to changing the story in 2026 starts with a defense that has shown real signs of tightening up and a run game that could give Georgia Tech a chance to control the tempo. Georgia is still projected to be a heavyweight that season, which is why a win would still count as an upset, but the Yellow Jackets have enough returning momentum and roster-building upside to make the matchup feel more winnable than it has in years. [Read more 🡒]