Edge Jordan Woods joins GT 2026 class, picking the Jackets over NC State
The early signing period continued to be good to Georgia Tech on Thursday as 2026 edge Jordan Woods chose the Jackets over NC State.
The Pell City (Ala.) standout announced the decision during a ceremony at his high school as he chose the Jackets over the Wolfpack following an impressive official visit to Georgia Tech on the weekend of Nov. 22 as he got a closer look at the program, had several great conversations with the coaching staff and was able to see what a gameday on The Flats looks like as the Jackets hosted Pittsburgh.
Why the choice was GT for Woods
Woods committed to Jacksonville State over the summer, but his recruitment started to change during the middle of his senior season when he started getting more attention from Power 4 schools. He visited Georgia Tech back in October when he picked up an offer from the coaching staff, and NC State and Vanderbilt offers followed soon after.
Woods decommitted from Jax State the week following his Georgia Tech visit and pretty much had his mind made up as a silent commit to the Jackets before releasing the news to the public on Thursday.
“Honestly, it just felt like home,” Woods told JOL earlier this week about his choice to join the Georgia Tech program. “The coaches were super real with me and showed me how I’d fit in and get better. I liked the chance to come in and compete early, and the academics are awesome too. When you put all that together, it just made sense—this is the place I want to be.”
“I’m super excited,” added Woods. “You can feel the energy around the team right now, and it seems like the program is really moving in the right direction. I just can’t wait to get in there, work hard and be a part of helping Georgia Tech keep getting better.”
Jackets’ OLB/DE coach Pope played a role in Woods’ decision
Georgia Tech outside linebackers/defense ends coach Kyle Pope, an Alabama native himself, liked what he saw on film from Woods’ early-season senior tape and immediately pushing hard for him a couple months ago. Since then, Woods said the relationship between the two has blossomed, and he’s looking forward to playing for Pope on the next level.
“My relationship with Coach Pope has grown a lot, and what really stood out is how genuine he is and how much he cares about developing his players,” said Woods. “He understands my game, he knows where I can grow and he already has a plan for taking me to that next level. I’m excited to play for him because I know he’s going to push me, teach me and help me reach my full potential.”
Woods ready to get to work on The Flats
Woods will be a December graduate from Pell City High and an early enrollee at Georgia Tech so he will be on campus in January and go through the Jackets’ spring practice for a head start on his freshman season in 2026. He said he’s ready to do whatever is asked of him for the program and wants the Tech fans to know that.
“Fans can expect someone who’s going to give it their all every play,” said Woods. “I’m competitive, work hard and always try to get better. I want to be someone my teammates can count on and someone the fans can be excited to watch. I’m ready to come in and earn everything.”
