GT gets help in the trenches with commitment of big DL Speakman
Georgia Tech has made an intentional push to close out its 2026 recruiting class strong on the defensive line, and the coaching staff reeled in one of its biggest targets on Thursday, both literally and figuratively.
Massive 2026 defensive lineman Christian Speakman (listed as an interior offensive lineman on his Rivals profile) announced his commitment to the Yellow Jackets on Thursday during a signing ceremony at his high school. Speakman received an offer from Georgia Tech a few weeks ago followed by an official visit to The Flats for the weekend of the Jackets’ matchup vs. Pittsburgh (Nov. 22).
Why Speakman chose GT…
After being committed to Georgia State since late June, things heated up quickly between Georgia Tech and Speakman during the season as he came for a gameday visit back in October before receiving the offer from the Jackets’ staff in November.
At the end of the day, Speakman said Georgia Tech had everything he was looking for and that’s what made him decide to join the Jackets’ 2026 class.
“I’d say it was really the combination of everything,” Speakman told JOL recently. “The coaches made me feel like a priority from Day 1, especially with how real and consistent they were. The opportunity to play early and develop in a system that fits me was huge too. And obviously the academics at Georgia Tech speak for themselves — it’s a place that sets you up for life. When I put it all together, Tech just felt like the best overall fit.”
Speakman added that he’s looking forward to being a part of the upward trajectory of the Tech program in the near future.
“I’m really excited. You can feel that the program is building something special, and I want to be part of that rise,” said Speakman. “There’s a lot of energy around the future here, and I’m ready to come in, work and help keep pushing things forward.”
Speakman bonds with Tech DL coach Jess Simpson…
Another big piece of Tech’s pursuit of Speakman was defensive line coach Jess Simpson recruiting the Morrow High (Ga.) standout hard over the past couple months. Speakman said he thinks playing for Simpson, a veteran coach with experience on the high school, college and pro level, on the next level is a special opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to it a lot,” said Speakman of the chance to play for Simpson. “My relationship with Coach Simpson has gotten stronger throughout the process, and I really believe he can take my game to another level. He knows how to develop players at my position, he’s honest with me and he pushes guys to reach their potential. I’m excited to learn from him and grow under him.”
Speakman has a message for Jackets’ fans…
After signing during the early period this week, Speakman will officially be on campus in January at Georgia Tech as an early enrollee and take part in his first official Jackets’ practices this spring. He said GT fans should expect to get everything from him in order to help the team in the next few years.
“GT fans should expect a competitor. I play with high energy, discipline and effort every snap,” said Speakman. “I’m always trying to get better and do whatever the team needs. I love the game, I love to work and I’m coming in focused on contributing however I can. They’re getting someone who’s hungry, coachable and ready to represent Georgia Tech the right way.”
