Georgia Tech Showcases Spring Progress in White and Gold Game

New schemes, fresh faces, and a competitive scrimmage highlight the Jackets' spring practice finale.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Georgia Tech football game, with the players and field abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's colors of old gold and navy blue, conveying the dynamic energy and progress of the program's transition.Georgia Tech's spring game showcases the team's evolving identity under new leadership, with a dynamic, cubist visual capturing the energy and progress of the Jackets' transition.Atlanta Today

Georgia Tech's annual White and Gold Spring Game provided a glimpse into the team's progress under new head coach Brent Key. The game featured a competitive matchup between 'Team Swarm' and 'Team Wreck 'Em', with the defense setting the tone early before the offenses found their rhythm. Standout performances came from transfer quarterback Alberto Mendoza, running backs Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley, and the defensive line led by Noah Carter and Jordan Walker. Coach Key was pleased with the team's development and the depth emerging, especially on the defensive line, as the Jackets look ahead to the 2023 season.

Why it matters

Georgia Tech is undergoing a transition with new schemes, coordinators, and a roster overhaul. The spring game offered an early look at how the team is adapting to the changes and the progress being made ahead of the upcoming season. Key's emphasis on toughness, physicality, and developing young talent is evident as the Jackets aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 campaign.

The details

The spring game was a defensive battle early on, with neither team scoring in the first quarter. Team Swarm then found its footing, putting together three scoring drives in the second quarter to take a 14-3 lead at halftime. The offenses opened up in the second half, with both teams finding the end zone multiple times. Standout performers included transfer QB Alberto Mendoza, RBs Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley, and the defensive line duo of Noah Carter and Jordan Walker, who each had two sacks. Coach Key was pleased with the team's development, particularly the depth and talent emerging on the defensive line.

  • The annual White and Gold Spring Game took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Georgia Tech will have a few weeks off before starting its summer workout and conditioning program leading up to the start of preseason fall camp in late July/early August.
  • The Jackets will open the 2023 season on Thursday, September 3, at home against Colorado.

The players

Brent Key

The head coach of the Georgia Tech football team, who is overseeing a transition with new schemes and coordinators.

Alberto Mendoza

A redshirt-sophomore transfer quarterback who had a solid performance in the spring game, going 12-for-16 with 148 yards and a touchdown.

Justice Haynes

A transfer senior running back who had 46 yards on 9 carries and 2 catches for 22 yards in the spring game.

Malachi Hosley

A running back who had 25 yards on 4 carries, including an 18-yard touchdown run, in the spring game.

Noah Carter

A defensive lineman who had 2 sacks for Team Swarm in the spring game.

Jordan Walker

A defensive lineman who also had 2 sacks for Team Swarm in the spring game.

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What they’re saying

“We had a simulated game today that we got out there and played. It really played out the way I wanted it to play out. I would match the teams up, things we wanted to see, things we wanted to get done. I thought there was a lot of positives there, things we can coach up.”

— Brent Key, Georgia Tech Head Coach

“I mean I don't know what type of expectations there are...My expectations are high for every position. We have a lot of talent in there, deep room, and they all want football.”

— Brent Key, Georgia Tech Head Coach

“The first D-line was really...I almost don't really consider it a first D-line right now, because we've got a lot of really good players in that position. I think it's just the depth on the defensive line. Yes, I did just say that. It's great to say it.”

— Brent Key, Georgia Tech Head Coach

What’s next

Georgia Tech will have a few weeks off before coming back to start its summer workout and conditioning program leading up to the start of preseason fall camp in late July/early August.

The takeaway

Georgia Tech's spring game showcased the team's progress under new head coach Brent Key, with the defense setting the tone early and the offense finding its rhythm as the game went on. Key was pleased with the development of young talent, particularly on the defensive line, as the Jackets look to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season and build momentum heading into the fall.