Admission for the White and Gold Game is FREE and will be streamed on ACCNX/ESPN+. Georgia Tech is emerging as a potential dark-horse contender for the ACC Championship and a playoff spot this season, capturing attention nationwide. True to form, the Yellow Jackets face one of the toughest schedules in college football for 2025, with nine of their eleven NCAA Division I FBS opponents having reached postseason play in 2024. This includes formidable teams like ACC champion Clemson and SEC champion Georgia, both of which participated in the College Football Playoff. Notably, five of their opponents secured at least nine victories last season. While road games against Colorado, Duke, NC State, and Boston College pose significant challenges, the overall schedule appears manageable. Georgia Tech has the potential to navigate through these matchups, and obtaining eight victories on the way to a bowl game. However, aside from Gardner-Webb and Temple, there are no guaranteed victories so the Yellow Jackets will need a good mix of performances to get to the ACC Championship game.

As you enjoy the spring game, keep an eye on three key aspects of the offense. 1. If Haynes King returns healthy, the Yellow Jackets will have ample reasons for optimism. Last season, King demonstrated significant growth, reducing his interceptions from 16 to just 2, showcasing his potential as one of the nation’s top dual-threat quarterbacks with 1,324 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns over the past two years. Entering his sixth college season, he brings a dynamic mix of leadership and resilience, positioning Georgia Tech as a contender in the ACC championship race. Should King face injuries during the season, redshirt freshman Aaron Philo will step in at quarterback. His performance as a true freshman was promising, making it intriguing to see how he performs in the spring game and how he has developed during the offseason. 2. The Yellow Jackets’ offensive line is set for a transformation as they look to fill the void left by long-time starters Weston Franklin and Jordan Williams. Keylan Rutledge, an all-conference selection, is poised to take on a leadership role, while Joe Fusile and Ethan Mackenny return after significant playing time in the latter part of last season. Harrison Moore, is expected to vie for a starting position this spring, alongside other returning players like Tana Alu-Tupuola, Jameson Riggs, and Jordan Floyd. Additionally, the arrival of transfer Andrew Rosinski from UNC, JuCo signee Jakolby Jones, and early enrollees from Tech’s strong 2025 recruiting class, including five-star prospect Josh Petty, will enhance depth and intensify competition within the unit. The depth of Tech’s offensive line seems solid, ensuring that if any of the starters face an injury before August, the team will still be in a strong position. 3. The Yellow Jackets are in search of a standout receiver following the offseason departure of star wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. This spring game presents a crucial opportunity for transfers like Eric Rivers, Dean Patterson, and Debron Gatling, alongside returning player Malik Rutherford, who led the team with 62 receptions and amassed 702 receiving yards last season. Rutherford appears to be a strong candidate for a starting role, and Eric Rivers, who excelled at FIU, is also expected to make a significant impact. However, the team must also consider other positions, as Rivers’ former teammate Dean Patterson adds valuable experience. Additionally, young talents such as Bailey Stockton, Isiah Canion, Zion Taylor, Trey Horne, and South Carolina transfer Debron Gatling will be called upon to elevate their game this season. The question remains who will stand out and who will Georgia Tech start after the spring game.

The most pressing concern this spring lies within the defense. I believe the key issue is how Blake Gideon, who previously served as the safeties coach at Texas, will fare as the new defensive coordinator, stepping in for Tyler Santucci. Under Santucci’s leadership, the Georgia Tech defense showed significant improvement in 2024. The question now is whether they can maintain that competitive edge with a new coordinator and a different system in place. 2. Georgia Tech has strengthened its defensive line through strategic portal acquisitions. The team welcomed A.J. Hoffler from Clemson, Melvin Jordan from Oregon State, Brayden Manley from Mercer, Ronald Triplette from Texas-San Antonio, and Matthew Alexander from Central Florida. Additionally, the inclusion of promising young talents like Christian Garrett, Derry Norris Jr., and Andre Fuller Jr. further enhances the depth of the unit. With these new additions, excitement is building around how this revamped defensive line will perform under the guidance of the new defensive coordinator. 3. The Yellow Jackets boast a formidable and experience linebacker group. At the forefront is two-year starter Kyle Efford, supported by E.J. Lightsey and enhanced by the recent acquisition of two transfers during the offseason. This depth could see them fielding as many as six linebackers next season. Additionally, the team welcomes back senior Jackson Hamilton, a Louisville transfer who contributed 26 tackles in 13 games last year, alongside sophomore Tah’j Butler, who made his mark as a freshman with 25 tackles over the same number of games. To further strengthen their roster, Tech has added former Oregon State linebacker Melvin Jordan IV and former Tennessee Tech linebacker Cayman Spaulding. The pressing question remains: how will this year’s lineup evolve to position the Jackets as serious contenders for the ACC title?

Under the leadership of head coach Brent Key, Georgia Tech has made significant strides, surpassing expectations in his initial two seasons and securing back-to-back winning records for the first time in ten years. The return of key players such as quarterback Haynes King, running back Jamal Haynes, and All-ACC guard Keylan Rutledge, along with defensive stalwarts like linebacker Kyle Efford, bodes well for the team’s prospects. The defense has shown marked improvement and is poised for further development in the upcoming season. Although the ACC schedule presents challenges, Georgia Tech’s road games could be pivotal in paving the way for a successful season, potentially leading to a breakout year and a chance at the ACC Championship. The journey toward the 2025 season kicks off with Georgia Tech football’s annual spring game on April 12 at Bobby Dodd Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.