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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.
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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.
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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.
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'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.'
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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.
