Georgia Tech defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe released from hospital following scary collision in loss

Published Sep. 13, 2026 1:38 p.m. ET
Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Tech defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe has been released from the hospital after precautionary observation following his injury in the third quarter of the Yellow Jackets’ 45-24 loss to No. 18 Tennessee, the school announced Sunday.

Following the game Saturday night, Georgia Tech coach Brent Key said Mbakwe was talking and responsive. Mbakwe was involved in a collision with teammate Jordan Walker that led to Mbakwe leaving the field on a stretcher and being taken to Grady Hospital.

Mbakwe collided headfirst with Walker’s knee. Walker was carried off the field, unable to put any weight on his leg. Mbakwe lay on the field and appeared motionless for several minutes before giving the crowd a thumbs-up while being stretchered off.

“Everything was moving when they moved him off the field. He was talking, responsive,” Key said after the game.

It’s Mbakwe’s first season with Georgia Tech after transferring from Alabama, where he played in 22 games over two seasons in various roles as a cornerback, wide receiver and punt returner.

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