Georgia Tech Head Coach Brent Key Optimistic After Spring Game

Key discusses progress of Yellow Jackets program, including quarterback battle and defensive line improvements.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Georgia Tech football game, with sharp planes of the team's colors breaking down the action on the field into an abstract, multi-angled composition.A cubist interpretation of the strategic chess match unfolding on the Georgia Tech gridiron as the Yellow Jackets prepare for the 2026 season.Atlanta Today

Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key provided an in-depth look at the Yellow Jackets' spring game, highlighting the team's progress in areas like tackling, offensive line play, and the development of young players. Key expressed optimism about the depth and talent on the defensive line, as well as the competition at quarterback between Grady Berto and the incoming freshmen.

Why it matters

Georgia Tech is looking to build on a solid 2025 season and take the next step in the ACC under second-year head coach Brent Key. The spring game provided valuable insight into the team's strengths, areas for improvement, and the ongoing position battles that will shape the Yellow Jackets' outlook for the 2026 campaign.

The details

Key was pleased with the team's tackling and line play during the spring game, noting a focus on fundamentals and technique. He singled out tight end Kevin Roche as a standout performer and praised the depth and potential of the defensive line. The quarterback competition remains open, with Grady Berto and the incoming freshmen all getting reps. Key also highlighted the contributions of new assistant coaches like Jimmy Smith, who has made a positive impact on the running back room.

  • The spring game took place on April 18, 2026.
  • The Yellow Jackets will return to the field after Memorial Day to begin their summer training program.

The players

Brent Key

The head coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team, entering his second season in that role.

Grady Berto

The incumbent starting quarterback for the Yellow Jackets, who is competing to retain his job.

Kevin Roche

A tight end for Georgia Tech who impressed the coaching staff with his performance in the spring game.

Jimmy Smith

The new running backs coach for the Yellow Jackets, who has been praised by Key for his work with the running back room.

Jafar Williams

The wide receivers coach who is overseeing the development of players like Debron Gatling and Evan Haynes.

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What they’re saying

“We had a simulated game today where we get out there and play. It really played out the way I wanted it to play out, how we match the teams up, things we wanted to see, things we wanted to get done.”

— Brent Key, Head Coach

“I thought the other guys showed progress. I think probably two throws Grady would love to have back right now. Then we're just like, what in the world that come from?”

— Brent Key, Head Coach

“We have some talented guys back there. They take a lot of pride in their craft, they push each other. That's the beauty of things that George Godsey is able to do and put those guys all in positions to be able to help us this season.”

— Brent Key, Head Coach

What’s next

The Yellow Jackets will return to the field after Memorial Day to begin their summer training program, as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Brent Key and the Georgia Tech coaching staff appear to have made significant progress in developing the team's depth and talent, particularly on the defensive line and in the running back room. While the quarterback competition remains open, Key is optimistic about the team's overall trajectory and believes the Yellow Jackets have the pieces in place to take another step forward in the ACC this fall.