The outlook surrounding Georgia Tech cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe improved Sunday after the 20-year-old suffered a frightening injury during the Yellow Jackets' 45-24 loss to Tennessee on Saturday night.

Mbakwe was injured in the third quarter while attempting to make a tackle. His head collided with teammate Jordan Walker's knee, leaving the Alabama transfer on the field for several minutes. Medical personnel attended to Mbakwe before preparations were made to bring a stretcher onto the field.

Mbakwe was eventually taken from the field on a stretcher and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for precautionary observation. ESPN cameras showed him giving a thumbs up while being taken away. Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key said after the game that Mbakwe had movement in all of his extremities.

Good news came on Sunday as the Yellow Jackets announced that Mbakwe had been evaluated overnight and released from the hospital.

“Georgia Tech Football’s Jaylen Mbakwe was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for precautionary observation following his injury in the third quarter of Saturday night’s game vs. Tennessee,” Georgia Tech wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “He was evaluated overnight and has been released. Jaylen and Georgia Tech appreciate all who have taken the time to express concern and support.”

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Mbakwe provided his own update through social media early Sunday morning, saying he was “fine and feeling well.” He also described the injury as a “minor setback” while stressing that the Yellow Jackets' goals for the 2026 season remain in front of the team.

This is Mbakwe's first season with Georgia Tech after spending two seasons with the Crimson Tide. He appeared in 22 games for the Alabama during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. As a freshman in 2024, he played in 12 games and recorded 15 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. His sophomore season included three receptions for 55 yards, one rushing attempt for four yards, a punt return and a special-teams tackle.

Mbakwe has appeared in both of the Yellow Jackets' games this season. He finished with one tackle and one pass breakup in the team's opener against Colorado before adding one tackle against the Volunteers before his injury.

It remains uncertain whether Mbakwe will miss time. Georgia Tech is scheduled to return to action Sept. 19 at noon ET against Mercer.