Georgia Tech picked up a big transfer portal commitment in more ways than one on Saturday afternoon as former UCF defensive tackle Matthew Alexander pledged to the Jackets following three productive seasons with the Knights.

Alexander said the way he clicked with the coaches and several of the players at Georgia Tech went a long way in his decision to commit to the Jackets because they made it feel like home.

"I just felt like the coaching staff and some of the players I met felt real and genuine. It just felt like home, and I could tell this is a program that is family-orientated, which is something I harp on," said Alexander in an interview with JOL on Saturday. "I clicked immediately with the staff having prior relationships with some of the coaches, especially Coach (Jess) Simpson who coached at the same high school I went to back in the day. The system is very similar to what I did at UCF, which made it an even easier decision for me."

The 6-foot-3, 295-pound Alexander, who just completed his redshirt-junior season in 2024 with UCF and will have one season of eligibility remaining once he arrives on The Flats, played in 12 games this past season with three starts and had 35 total tackles (17 solo) with four tackles-for-loss and one pass deflection. He had a 74.8 run defense grade according to PFF for this past season.

In all over the last three seasons at UCF following redshirting as a true freshman in 2021, Alexander has played in 39 games and has 60 total tackles (27 solo) with six tackles-for-loss, one sack and two pass deflections.

Alexander will provide some depth on the interior defensive line as the Jackets will lose Zeek Biggers, Makius Scott and Thomas Gore all to graduation after they were all among the two-deep at nose or tackle in 2024.

Alexander will be coming back closer to home to play for the Jackets as he was ranked as a 3-star (5.5) defensive tackle prospect out of Buford High in Buford, Georgia in the 2021 class. He had 30 reported offers before ultimately choosing UCF. Alexander said being back close to where he made a name for himself at Buford was another huge reason he chose to continue his career at Georgia Tech.

"It means everything that I'm able to come back and play in Atlanta, being close to home because like I said I'm huge on family so this seemed like the perfect opportunity," said Alexander.

Alexander also had some words for Georgia Tech fans that might not know much about him or have seen him play yet.

"I would describe myself as a highly energetic player that loves the game of football and I love to compete," said Alexander. "I feel as if I always have to try and be the best at everything I do. I'm very excited to get to work!"