Georgia Tech Anchors Offense With Powerhouse Running Back Duo
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The Yellow Jackets are centering their identity on Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley as they navigate a season of transition at other skill positions.
Georgia Tech is prioritizing a physical ground game for the 2026 season, centering its offensive identity on a running back tandem that Sports Illustrated describes as one of the best in the country. In a rare move, head coach Brent Key brought running backs Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley to ACC media days as the primary representatives of the program.
Hosley, a Penn transfer, served as the team's top rusher in 2025. He recorded 697 yards on 98 carries, averaging more than seven yards per attempt with seven touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Hosley earned an 86.2 rushing grade and a 79.5 overall grade, the highest returning mark on the offense.
Joining him is Justice Haynes, who returns to Georgia after stints at Alabama and Michigan. While at Michigan in 2025, Haynes rushed for 104 yards or more in each of his first five games, totaling 857 yards through seven contests before a foot injury ended his season. The duo, who refer to themselves as "bad boys," are expected to carry the load for a team featuring an inexperienced receiving corps and a new starting quarterback.
Coach Brent Key emphasized the depth and unselfishness of the group, noting that the coaching staff is focused on training and preparing the backs to remain fresh through November. Sports Illustrated reports that Key has built a program identity based on toughness and physicality, and the success of the Yellow Jackets may hinge on this high-powered rushing attack.