Malachi Carney, a Georgia Tech offensive lineman, has been named to the 2026 Outland Trophy watch list, a preseason acknowledgment that highlights the nation’s top interior linemen.
After transferring from South Alabama, Carney quickly became a cornerstone of the Yellow Jackets’ line, starting all 13 games at right tackle before moving to guard during the offseason, a shift that placed him among just 17 guards nationwide on the watch list.
His 2025 campaign featured 768 offensive snaps, second only to teammate Keylan Rutledge in overall blocking grade, which settled at 67.9. He posted single‑game pass‑blocking grades above 80 in road victories over Colorado and Boston College, recording grades of 80.3 and 82.4 respectively.
Carney’s consistency helped the Yellow Jackets limit opponents to just three quarterback hits all season, contributing to a national ranking of third in fewest sacks allowed at 0.69 per game. The unit’s work underpinned a top‑25 rushing attack that averaged 197.5 yards per game.
Looking Ahead
The team finished the season 9‑4, capping the year with a No. 24 final national ranking and a brief ascent to No. 7 in the polls. Georgia Tech went 6‑2 in ACC play, tying for second in the conference and standing as the only ACC program to finish in the top four of the league standings for three consecutive seasons.
The Football Writers Association of America will reveal semifinalists on November 18 and finalists on November 24, with the winner of the 81st Outland Trophy set to be honored at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 10.