Georgia Tech is moving into the last week of fall camp, and the first scrimmage is already in the books. With the opener drawing closer, the focus now shifts to the transfers the Yellow Jackets added this offseason and how quickly they’re settling in.
The most important name in that group is quarterback Alberto Mendoza, who has stood out through camp and is expected to be Georgia Tech’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season. The staff has been impressed by his intelligence, his command of the offense and the way he has built chemistry with the receivers. He may not have Haynes King’s mobility, but he still gives the offense a running element.
At running back, Justice Haynes looks like a major piece right away. He is one of the best backs in the country and should get plenty of work in this offense.
The receiving group is also starting to take shape around transfer help. Isaiah Fuhrmann, who is making his first jump to Power Four football, is emerging as a real option for the Yellow Jackets. He is in position to start in the opener and could finish the season as the team’s target leader.
Georgia Tech brought in multiple tight ends, and all three appear headed for roles. Chris Corbo, an All-American at the FCS level, is adjusting to the ACC but is expected to see snaps along with the rest of the room and could be the one leading the group.
Gavin Harris is being used more as a receiving threat, and his athleticism could make him a favorite target for Mendoza. Spencer Mermans, meanwhile, was the top blocking tight end at the FCS level according to Pro Football Focus, and his skill set fits exactly what Georgia Tech wants to do on the ground.
He is set for a big role and could be similar to Jackson Hawes two seasons ago. If he blocks anywhere near Hawes’ level, Georgia Tech should be in good shape this season.
Up front, Joseph Ionata has already locked down a major job at center. The Alabama transfer is stepping in for Harrison Moore and Tana Alo-Tupuola, and that spot has been more or less his since spring.
Coaches have also praised his leadership often. Markell Samuel is in a battle with Malachi Carney for the starting right guard job, and if Samuel wins it, he could even shift out to tackle and start there.
At the very least, he looks like an important depth piece.
On defense, Noah Carter and Jordan Walker have both kept rolling from spring into fall. Carter’s athleticism and upside off the edge make him a strong candidate to start or play heavily in the rotation, while Walker’s play and leadership have made him one of the clearest impact possibilities on that side of the ball.
The interior defensive line has its own transfer help. Tawfiq Thomas will get the chance to face his former school in week one and is expected to help with the run defense. Vincent Carroll-Jackson, the UConn transfer, will line up next to him inside and give the younger players a veteran presence to lean on.
Georgia Tech also added talent at cornerback. Jaylen Mbakwe has a case as the best athlete on the roster and could be deployed in a number of ways, including on special teams, but he also has the tools to become a lockdown corner. Jonas Duclona is also expected to play right away, and defensive coordinator Jason Semore has already highlighted his versatility and the ways he can be used across the secondary.
Special teams got a transfer addition too, with Alex Bacchetta brought in to replace Marshall Nichols at punter and lined up to handle that job this season.
There are more depth pieces in the mix as well. Jaiven Plummer, who was a strong special teams player at Cal, is expected to be part of the rotation.
Taje McCoy is in the defensive end group and has had a solid fall. Tim Griffin could work his way into playing time later in the season, though this may be more of a developmental year for him on The Flats.
Favour Edwin is competing for depth on the offensive line and also appears headed for a developmental 2026.
In Other News...
Deion Sanders Now Brings A Serious Off-Field Cloud Into Georgia Tech Opener
Deion Sanders is dealing with another legal wrinkle as Colorado heads toward its 2026 football opener at Georgia Tech. The Hall of Fame coach has been pulled into his son Shilo Sanders bankruptcy trial, which stems from a 2015 incident involving a security guard, adding an unexpected off-field subplot to a game that was already going to draw plenty of attention.
The timing is what makes it especially notable for the Yellow Jackets, with the trial set for Denver during the same week Colorado opens the season in Atlanta. It is still unclear whether Sanders has been formally served or whether he will try to challenge the subpoena, but either way it adds another layer of uncertainty around a season-opening week that already figures to be under a bright spotlight. [Read more 🡒]
Georgia Techs Offense Is Taking Shape Around One Huge Decision
Alberto Mendoza has emerged as Georgia Techs starting quarterback after arriving from Indiana, giving the Yellow Jackets a clearer picture of where the offense is headed as the season approaches. The move helps settle the most important spot on the field, and it also gives the staff a chance to shape the rest of the attack around a passer who is already in place and ready to lead.
The depth chart still has a few questions left to answer, with Grady Adamson and Graham Knowles competing for the backup job and more detail on the quarterback room expected after a meeting with Coach Chris Weinke. Georgia Techs backfield also looks set to be busy, with Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley projected as the primary runners and JP Powell, Trelain Maddox and Chad Alexander all expected to have roles in different ways. [Read more 🡒]
Debron Gatling Is Giving Georgia Tech A New Reason To Watch
Debron Gatling arrived at Georgia Tech with a story that already suggested he could be useful in more than one way. The Milton product had first committed to South Carolina in the 2024 class before moving on after limited playing time, and now he is back in the mix with the Yellow Jackets as a former two-sport athlete whose versatility gives the staff options as it sorts out the 2026 preseason.
Coach Jafar Williams has seen enough to believe Gatling is making the kind of steady progress that can turn a roster spot into real opportunities. Williams praised his dedication, said his confidence has grown, and pointed to a better grasp of the playbook, all signs that Gatling is pushing himself closer to more snaps on the field. For a Georgia Tech team looking for players who can handle multiple roles, that kind of development is worth watching. [Read more 🡒]