Georgia Tech former players are flooding the NFL slate for Week 1, led by Keion White’s historic Thursday night kickoff in Australia. Eleven Yellow Jackets are set to play across the league, with four rookies making their first NFL appearance. This isn’t just a busy weekend; it is a full-scale takeover of the gridiron by Tech alumni.
Keion White Leads the Charge in Australia
Keion White will be the first #ProJacket to take the field when his 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams. The game happens Thursday at 8:35 pm on Netflix, marking a massive global moment for the program. White enters his 49ers tenure as a key piece of the defensive line. His presence in Melbourne sets the tone for a weekend where Tech talent is everywhere. According to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, this debut is a unique opportunity to showcase local grit on a world stage.
The rest of the group follows with a packed Sunday schedule. Zeek Biggers, in his second NFL season, plays for the Miami Dolphins against the Las Vegas Raiders. FOX will broadcast the match on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 4:25 pm. Biggers brings defensive depth to Miami that Tech fans know well. Jordan Mason, a veteran in his fifth season, runs for the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers. His Week 1 stats show 17 yards on just 3 rushes in the preseason, proving he is ready to grind.
Rookies and Veterans Fill the Roster Spots
Four rookies are set to make their NFL debuts this Sunday, and the data suggests they are ready to contribute immediately. Haynes King, a quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, faces the Chicago Bears at 1:00 pm on FOX. His preseason stats are impressive: 21-for-34 passing for 180 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 39 rushing yards with 1 rushing score. Keylan Rutledge, an offensive lineman for the Houston Texans, also faces his first real test against the Buffalo Bills. For his Week 2 showing versus the Raiders, NFL.com assigned an “A” grade to Keion White. That is a rare early accolade for a first-year player.
Other key names include Rodney Shelley for the Los Angeles Chargers and Jackson Hawes for the Buffalo Bills. Shelley faces the Arizona Cardinals at 4:25 pm on CBS with 9 tackles and 3 passes defended in the preseason. Hawes, in his second season, plays at the Houston Texans at 1:00 pm on CBS. He recorded 2 catches for 8 yards in 2 preseason games. Meanwhile, veterans like Harrison Butker and EJ Jenkins anchor their teams. Butker, in his 10th season, kicks for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos on Monday, Sept. 14. He hit a 69-yard field goal in preseason, showing he still has a cannon. EJ Jenkins, in his fourth season, plays for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Washington Commanders at 4:25 pm on FOX. He posted 20 yards on 2 catches in 3 preseason games.
Why This Weekend Defines the Year
The sheer volume of Tech players on the field proves the program’s development pipeline is working at an elite level. Having 11 former players active is a statistical anomaly that demands attention. The mix of rookies like Haynes King and veterans like Harrison Butker shows a complete range of talent. According to Yahoo Sports, the focus remains on how these players handle the pressure of opening week. The data from the preseason is clear: they are not just making the roster; they are making an impact.
From the 69-yard kick by Butker to the “A” grade for Rutledge, the numbers tell a story of readiness. The schedule is tight, with games starting as early as 1:00 pm and running late into Monday night. This concentration of talent means every Tech fan has a reason to watch Sunday. The 2026 preseason stats confirm that these players have earned their spots through hard work. The 17 rushing yards by Mason and the 180 passing yards by King are just the beginning. This weekend belongs to the Yellow Jackets.
