At the ACC media day, Georgia Tech’s head coach Brent Key and players took the podium to deliver a message: the Yellow Jackets are on the rise—and they plan to show the nation exactly who they are. The team has a quiet confidence building throughout the program, and it doesn’t look like it came out of the blue or is a one-year wonder. Let’s see what was discussed:
1. Georgia Tech’s Identity on Display
Coach Key used the media spotlight to underscore why he chose Tech and why returning players are invested in the program’s future. Among key highlights:
- Two straight winning seasons—including signature wins over top‑10 opponents—and a perfect 5–0 home record in 2024. The program posted its highest-ever team GPA at a football program: 3.03 over the previous three semesters. So it proves that the team and coaches prioritize more than just football for their players. Building up these guys to also be ready for the career world.
- Major facility upgrades were long overdue. A new football operations building is set to open in March 2026, followed by a major Bobby Dodd Stadium renovation.
- Emphasis on integration of sports science and technology in player development, consistent with Tech’s academic reputation. This has been a growing part of the game, so players are less at risk for injuries and feel more prepared come gameday.
2. Leadership, Loyalty, and Continuity
The roster returns a strong core:
- Quarterback Haynes King showcased selfless leadership, even playing through injury and shifting to a ground‑oriented role late in 2024 when it helped the team win. He came back probably earlier than he should have, so he could give his team the best chance to win. He even returned to college because of how much he believes in this program.
- He ranked among NCAA leaders with over 2,000 passing yards, a >70% completion rate, and no more than two interceptions, which is considered very impressive and a rare feat in modern college football. King praised the continuity across players and staff: “We know each other...it takes us to the next level.”
- Wide receiver Malik Rutherford returns after a breakout 2024 season in which he recorded 62 receptions—sixth-most in school history and the highest since Calvin Johnson. He’s embraced as the veteran leader of a revamped receiver corps. There’s more developed leadership on this team than last year. Guys know what’s at stake and what they can do. The Georgia game from last year was an eye-opener that this team can compete with the best.
- The returning production (87% passing yards, 84% rushing yards) speaks for itself of how many talented guys are coming back, which bodes well for their view on the leadership from their coaches.
3. Defensive Reset Under Tyler Santucci
With new defensive coordinator Blake Gideon and staff, Tech’s defense is leaning into a faster, more instinctual style. Led by middle linebacker Kyle Efford, who topped the tackles charts despite missing games due to injury, Georgia Tech is building a physical identity up front. This physicality will look to match how they built up their offensive identity from last year, with running the football a lot and having a physical offensive line.
4. Embracing Big‑Stage Opportunities
Key highlighted Georgia Tech’s desire to be a national program, embracing games on big stages:
- The season opens August 29 in Boulder against Deion Sanders’ Colorado. A high-profile neutral-site tilt vs. Notre Dame at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium looms in October. The rivalry game versus Georgia will also be held at Mercedes‑Benz instead of Bobby Dodd Stadium—though Key candidly said it didn’t matter to him where they played. Key has this swagger as the coach, not fearing any team. He made a statement saying he’ll face Georgia anytime, anywhere. This year will be their big test to show people how far they’ve come and possibly be in line to contend for the ACC title. Haynes King sure seems ready for the spotlight, making a very emphatic statement over their rival Georgia, saying, “To hell with Georgia”. Big fighting words, so even though it’s only July, expect the hype to grow even more for that game as the season goes on.
Final Thoughts
ACC Media Days were more than a conference formality for Georgia Tech—they were a platform for a program defining itself anew. This team will be a focal point for the entire season and if they get on a nice winning streak, watch out. Coach Key and his players made it clear: Tech isn’t just winning games, they’re reshaping how Tech football is perceived in Atlanta and nationally.