Georgia Tech sets sights on an ACC title after promising season and major roster turnover

Georgia Tech aims for an ACC title following a successful season and significant roster turnover. Head coach Brent Key has ushered in three consecutive winning seasons, culminating in a 23-16 overall record since his promotion from interim coach in 2023. Last year, Key guided the team to nine wins, keeping them in contention for the College Football Playoff until late November before a narrow loss to BYU in a bowl game.

For the upcoming season, Georgia Tech is banking on a strong running game, bolstered by transfers Justice Haynes from Michigan and Malachi Hosley from Georgia. They will be tasked with replacing the impact of dual-threat quarterback Haynes King, who left the team for the NFL. Veteran linebacker duo Kyle Efford and E.J. Lightsey are expected to anchor the defense, having recorded 156 tackles combined in 2025.

However, the offense faces challenges, particularly in the receiving department, with the loss of Malik Rutherford, Isiah Canion, and Eric Rivers Jr. As a result, the team will rely on Mendoza, Haynes, and Hosley to fill the void left by those departed players.