Why Georgia Tech Could Be the ACC's Dark Horse in 2025
Why Georgia Tech Could Be the ACC's Dark Horse in 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Georgia Tech fans have been waiting for a season like this. One full of hope, momentum, and belief. But it's not just Yellow Jackets faithful who are sensing a shift on The Flats.
Advertisement
According to Athlon Sports' College Football 2025 Previewed, several anonymous ACC coaches have singled out Georgia Tech as a team to watch this fall. And one coach, in particular, pulled no punches:
'They've got two really bright, really promising coordinators who will be head coaches one day,' the coach said. 'Faulkner really worked some magic with [Haynes] King, and later in the season they really figured it out in the run game.'
It's high praise for a program that only recently clawed out of a five-year bowl drought. Under third-year head coach Brent Key, Georgia Tech finished the 2024 season 7-6, their first winning record since 2018. But the buzz this offseason is about more than wins and losses. It's about culture and coaching.
OC Buster Faulkner enters Year 2 after transforming Texas A&M transfer Haynes King into one of the ACC's most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks. King threw for 2,114 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 587 yards and 11 scores on the ground, a total of 2,701 yards and 25 TDs.
Advertisement
His development down the stretch was noticeable. Georgia Tech averaged 33.5 points over its final four games, a far cry from the offensive struggles of past seasons.
Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key looks on against Florida State at Aviva Stadium.© Tom Maher/INPHO via USA TODAY Sports
Faulkner's ability to tailor schemes around King's strengths, and lean into a physical ground game drew specific praise from ACC insiders.
While Faulkner's rise is no secret, new DC Blake Gideon might be the more intriguing addition. After four years coaching safeties at Texas and earning a promotion to associate head coach in 2024, Gideon joins Georgia Tech with big expectations, despite never calling a defense at the collegiate level.
Advertisement
'Gideon is a really big hire for them,' said another ACC coach. 'They're decent, probably best on the defensive line, so how they adjust to a new system will be the thing to watch.'
Key tapped into his Alabama coaching tree to lure Gideon from Steve Sarkisian's staff, a move that speaks volumes about the program's rising clout and Key's growing influence.
More than anything, the 2025 Yellow Jackets reflect their head coach's no-nonsense, offensive line-driven personality.
'This is an O-lineman's culture, and they really embrace contact and physicality,' another anonymous coach told Athlon.
Added a fourth coach: 'This is Key's team now, and they're hard-nosed and mean.'
Advertisement
For Georgia Tech fans, that's music to their ears.
With a potent offense, a revamped defense, and a head coach who's reshaping the culture, Georgia Tech isn't just trying to compete, they're aiming to contend. The ACC better be ready.
Related: Georgia Tech Lands Twin OL Commits in 2026 Recruiting Win
Related: Georgia Tech Football's CFP Odds Leaves Fans in Disbelief
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
10 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Can Lionel Messi and Inter Miami really spring a surprise at the Club World Cup?
MIAMI — The Club World Cup will take Inter Miami from start-up to the global stage. Just five years after its MLS debut, the team co-owned by David Beckham and starring Lionel Messi will have the eyes of the world on it as it kicks off soccer's newest competition with the chance to be crowned world champion.
CBS News
10 minutes ago
- CBS News
Vikings CB Isaiah Rodgers embracing fresh start and preparing for bigger role in Minnesota
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers missed the 2023 NFL season because of a gambling suspension. Last season, he won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, Minnesota's newest cornerback is getting ready for a bigger role. "Just enjoy the process while it's here," said Rodgers at mini-camp earlier this week. "Do whatever I can do to help the team win and bring a Lombardi to Minnesota." Rodgers may not have made as many national headlines when he signed with the Vikings this offseason. But if all goes according to plan, he'll be a starting cornerback and make a big impact this fall. At least that's what Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants. "He just wants me to be me," said Rodgers, of Flores. "That's one of the reasons why I came here. He just wants me to go out there and use my ball skills and use my knowledge to make plays." Rodgers, 27, will be paired with pro-bowler Byron Murphy. It's only been a few weeks, but the two corners have quickly become friends. "We play the game a lot," said Rodgers. "We ask each other about film. You know, how he sees this, how I see it. We switch from boundary to field. So we're just having fun with the scheme and figuring each other out." "I'd say that's my best friend already," said Murphy. "That's my dawg. Obviously just met him when he got here. But we're already playing games online, we got 2K, all those things. He's a great guy, great teammate. But that bond's already there." And it turns out that bond and their back-and-forth competition could result in a few more Vikings turnovers. Murphy had six interceptions last year, third best in the NFL. "A lot of plays on the ball. A lot of interceptions. He dropped a lot, though, "laughed Rodgers. "He's supposed to have at least 10-plus. So, just trying to get in that stat category with him and compete." "I dropped like five or six," smiled Murphy. "I don't know the exact number, but I gotta go make up for it this year for sure." Rodgers figures to factor in the return game, too. He has one career kickoff return for a touchdown so far, which happened in 2020. Along with many other Vikings, he took reps at that spot during OTAs and minicamp. WCCO asked Rodgers if he sees that being part of his job this season. "Anything to help the team. Just having fun out here. Enjoying the process too."
Associated Press
16 minutes ago
- Associated Press
US Open Par Scores
Friday At Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pa. Purse: $21.5 million Yardage: 7,372; Par: 70 (a) - amateur Partial Second Round, Suspended due to lightning
