Georgia Tech defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe is "fine and feeling well" after suffering a scary injury on Sept. 12.
In the third quarter of the Yellow Jackets' 45-24 loss to No. 18 Tennessee
, the Alabama football transfer collided with teammate Jordan Walker, hitting his head to the Walker's knee. Walker needed to be carried off the field and into the medical tent, with Mbakwe laying prone on the ground for several minutes.Eventually, Mbakwe was placed on a stretcher and transported to nearby Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. ESPN cameras showed the defensive back give a thumbs up as he was stretchered off the field, providing hope his immobilization and hospital transfer was precautionary.
stage
A social media post from Mbakwe seems to indicate as much.
Here's a look at the latest injury updates for Mbakwe following his scary injury in Atlanta:
Georgia Tech teammates Jaylen Mbakwe and Jordan Walker had to get carted off the field after Mbakwe's helmet collided with Walker's knee. pic.twitter.com/pcE5htSt49
— ESPN (@espn) September 13, 2026
Jalen Mbakwe injury updates
Speaking after the game, Georgia Tech coach Brent Key said Mbakwe had movement in all of his extremities but otherwise did not give an update to his defensive back's health.
Mbakwe did that himself, however, in a 12:36 a.m. social media post in which he said he is "fine and doing well" after a "minor setback to a major comeback."
Minor Setback for a Major Comeback…Appreciate all the prayers and text messages so many to respond to but i’m fine and feeling well… As a team our goals is still right in front of us and we want the fans behind us every step of the way!!! #GoJackets🐝
— Jaylen “Bak” Mbakwe (@JayMbakwe) September 13, 2026
It is uncertain whether Mbakwe will miss any time due to the injury, or when. Georgia Tech returns to play on Sept. 19 at noon ET vs. Mercer.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jaylen Mbakwe injury news: Georgia Tech DB provides update after scary scene vs Vols
