Head Coach: Brent Key is entering his 3rd full season as the head coach of the Yellow Jackets with an 18-16 record. Key took over Georgia Tech as the interim coach in 2022 when the program was in a difficult spot and instantly got the Yellow Jackets back on track. He’s a Georgia Tech alum who loves the program and the fanbase loves him. A tough schedule last season prevented them from improving their record but it feels like a breakthrough season could be around the corner for Key.
Program Outlook: Georgia Tech found themselves in a truly fascinating spot years back when they opted to move away from the triple option. It was a struggle for the Yellow Jackets at first and they were lost in the wilderness for a few years it seemed. Now after nearly taking down their hated rival Georgia last season along with some other big wins it feels like Georgia Tech is ready to challenge the best in the ACC.
How does the 2025 Roster look?: Georgia Tech ranks 30th in the country returning 62% of their production per Punt and Rally’s returning production rankings. Key players include QB Haynes King, RB Jamal Haynes, and a few Offensive lineman who are absolute maulers. With this group back the Jackets are going to feature a strong running game once again. This is no surprise considering this is the identity Brent Key wants for his program. With Malik Rutherford back and FIU transfer Eric Rivers at receiver we can expect the Jackets pass game to be good enough to at least compliment the run game. Defensively they have a beast on the inside of the Dline in Jordan van den Berg, and a wealth of experience on the backend. The defensive line took a lot of losses and they hit the portal hard to navigate that.
Screenshot from FBSchedules.com
2025 Schedule Thoughts: Georgia Tech failed to show progress with their record in 2024 because they faced an extremely difficult schedule. Fortunately for the Ramblin’ Wreck this year’s schedule, while not easy, definitely provides better opportunities for wins. In the non-conference the Jackets have a Gardner-Webb team who is coming off a rough season in FCS, so they can expect to win that one. They also replace Notre Dame with a game at Colorado and Georgia State with Temple. They have their annual rivalry game against Georgia, and at least it’s not on the road but they sold their home game to Mercedes-Benz stadium, they may come to regret that. Louisville, North Carolina and Miami FL come off the ACC schedule but they must play Clemson. Wake Forest and BC are their other ACC schedule additions. Overall I think this makes room for the Jackets to win more games.
Final Thoughts: The Ramblin’ Wreck rides again and I am on it! I’m a huge believer in the Yellow Jackets in 2025. I see the Yellow Jackets as one of Clemson’s biggest threats in the ACC this year, and a favorable ACC slate may be beneficial toward an ACC championship appearance for the Yellow Jackets.
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