For Georgia Tech football recruits, Thursday night is more than a game
DOUGLASVILLE — Joshua Sam-Epelle is ready for Georgia Tech football’s season opener against Colorado.
The 6-foot-9, 310-pound Douglas County High offensive lineman and Yellow Jackets’ highest-rated recruit committed in the 2027 class plans to be at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Thursday.
“I’m ready for fireworks, man,” Sam-Epelle said. “I’m trying to see that offense get rolling.”
Thursday night’s opener is more than a chance for Georgia Tech to make an early statement on the field. It is also an opportunity for the Jackets to showcase the program to a large audience of potential future players.
Nearly 300 high school coaches applied for credentials to bring recruits to Bobby Dodd Stadium, according to Tech coach Brent Key.
“We’ve created a product that’s exciting for players to come watch, to want to come be a part of,” he said. “And that’s not going to change. We’re going to continue to have that type of product on the field.”
Tech expects to host some of its top senior, junior and even sophomore high school targets on Thursday, including prospects such as Sam-Epelle. He gave his verbal pledge to Key in June after official visits to Georgia, Miami and LSU.
“I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life,” the four-star prospect said. “I’m proud to be a Tech man. I mean, this place holds so much to me. I love what coach Key is doing over there and I love the offensive line there.”
Sam-Epelle is one of several highly regarded in-state prospects committed to the Yellow Jackets in the 2027 class, which is ranked No. 26 nationally by On3.com.
The group includes edge rushers Success Nwabude of Athens Christian and Justin Weeks, Sam-Epelle’s Douglas County teammate; running back Quinterrius “Moonie” Gipson of Kell; and safety MJ Burnett of Walton, the son of former Tech standout Morgan Burnett.
Chad Simmons, director of recruiting for On3/Rivals, said Tech’s recruiting success this cycle is a natural extension of the attention the program generated last season.
The Jackets started 8-0 and featured ACC Player of the Year Haynes King at quarterback. High school recruits took notice, Simmons said.
“There was coming off that season momentum, a new excitement, a new energy, I think even more belief in what Brent Key is doing at his alma mater,” he said.
“What these players saw on game day, what they felt energy-wise, they want to be a part of what can now be an ACC Championship competing program in Georgia Tech.”
Tech also has something tangible to show recruits when it talks about where the program can take them.
Eleven former Jackets are currently on NFL rosters, including Jordan van den Berg, a sixth-round pick in this summer’s draft who has pushed for starting job with the Chicago Bears.
“That’s something that’s been used against us in the past,” Key said.
Now, he said, the NFL can be part of the pitch.
“That shows the change in the entire program,” Key said. “What’s every kid’s goal? Go play in the NFL. Kids want to go places where they have the opportunity to develop, to play in the National Football League.”
Tech’s roster this season features 19 transfers from this offseason alone. Quarterback Alberto Mendoza (Indiana), running back Justice Haynes (Michigan) and defensive end Jordan Walker (Rutgers) are among those expected to play significant roles.
The transfer portal has become a critical tool for building the roster. But for Tech, high school recruiting remains the foundation for building the program over time.
The Jackets are “identifying guys that fit their scheme, fit their system, fit their culture, they’re identifying guys early, building that relationship,” Simmons said. “They’re not scared to compete in the NIL world, and I think Tech’s doing a great job of finding what fits them and landing what they’re looking for.”
Sam-Epelle said he is not considering anywhere else. He’s actively recruiting other players, work that will continue at Thursday’s night game.
“You know where your heart feels at home,” Sam-Epelle said. “You know that place is where is where it’s at. I’ve never felt anything like at Tech. That place is outstanding and it was just the right place to be at.”