Alabama Football News

4 Alabama transfers to start for Georgia Tech in season opener

by
Justin Smith
August 31, 2026

Jul 16, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Georgia Tech's running back Justice Haynes speaks to the media during Media Day at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech is expected to start a quartet of former Alabama players when it kicks off the 2026 season against Colorado on Thursday.

Justice Haynes, Noah Carter, Jaylen Mbakwe and Joseph Ionata are all expected to start for the Yellow Jackets.

Haynes transferred from Alabama after the 2024 season, and he took his talents to Michigan before eventually transferring to Georgia Tech. Ionata, Mbakwe and Carter transferred to Georgia Tech after the 2025 season.

Haynes is listed as a starting running back on the Yellow Jackets’ depth chart. Ionata is slated to start at right guard, Mbakwe is a starter at cornerback and Carter is a starter at defensive end.

Mbakwe played wide receiver while at Alabama while Ionata was a center. Carter earned significant playing time at wolf linebacker for the Tide last season.

Justin Smith( Managing Editor, Director of Recruiting )

Justin Smith is the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with over 10 years of writing experience & expertise. Smith has consistently delivered high quality, extensively researched information on the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team that fans can trust. Smith is official credentialed media with the University of Alabama under Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He is also the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Enterprises, specializing in scouting and analyzing high school recruits around the nation, specifically focusing on recruits within the state of Alabama.

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