Five Most Impactful Georgia Tech Transfers Not Named Justice Haynes or Alberto Mendoza

The Yellow Jackets added several key transfers to bolster their roster ahead of the 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Georgia Tech had a successful 9-4 campaign in 2025 and is looking to build on that momentum with some key transfer additions. While the headliners are running back Justice Haynes from Michigan and linebacker Alberto Mendoza from USC, the Yellow Jackets brought in several other impactful transfers who could make an immediate difference.

Why it matters

Georgia Tech lost several starters to graduation and the transfer portal, so these new transfers will be counted on to step in and contribute right away. The Yellow Jackets are aiming to build on last season's success and compete for an ACC title, and these transfers could be the difference-makers that help them achieve that goal.

The details

The five most impactful transfers include wide receiver Isaiah Fuhrmann from Phoenix, cornerback/wide receiver Jaylen Mbakwe from Alabama, defensive tackle Tawfiq Thomas from Colorado, offensive lineman Joseph Ionata from Alabama, and cornerback Jonas Duclona from USF. These players bring a range of skills and experience that should help fill key holes on the Georgia Tech roster.

  • The transfer portal window closed a month ago.
  • Georgia Tech is coming off a 9-4 season in 2025.

The players

Isaiah Fuhrmann

A wide receiver transfer from Phoenix, Fuhrmann had 46 catches for 907 yards and 9 touchdowns last season, averaging over 19 yards per catch.

Jaylen Mbakwe

A cornerback/wide receiver transfer from Alabama, Mbakwe was ranked as the No. 12 overall recruit, the No. 2 cornerback, and the No. 3 player in Alabama in the class of 2024.

Tawfiq Thomas

A defensive tackle transfer from Colorado, Thomas had 12 tackles in 4 games last season and finished with an 81.4 overall PFF grade, including a 74.7 run defense grade and 81.2 pass rushing grade.

Joseph Ionata

An offensive lineman transfer from Alabama, Ionata is expected to compete for a starting job on Georgia Tech's revamped offensive line.

Jonas Duclona

A cornerback transfer from USF, Duclona had 35 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble in 2025.

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The takeaway

Georgia Tech has reloaded its roster with several high-impact transfers who should help the Yellow Jackets build on last season's success and compete for an ACC championship in 2026.