Biggest Questions Georgia Tech Football Still Faces Before Week 1

It is almost game week Georgia Tech fans.

The Yellow Jackets have wrapped up fall camp and will begin their prep for the first game of the season. For the second straight season, they will open up against Colorado, except that this game will be in Atlanta instead of Boulder.

While the two teams are facing each other again, there are not many holdovers from last year's meeting when the Yellow Jackets won 27-20. Both teams have new coordinators, new starting quarterbacks, new playmakers on offense, and new faces on defense. Brent Key and Deion Sanders are still leading the way, though, and this would be an opportunity for Georgia Tech to get their season off to a nice start before they welcome Tennessee to Atlanta for a big matchup.

While this fall camp has been a positive one for the Yellow Jackets, what are some questions that still remain?

Is the defense improved?

Sep 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive lineman Amontrae Bradford (98) rushes the passer against the Temple Owls in the third quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

To put it nicely, Georgia Tech has not been good enough on the defensive end of the ball under Brent Key. The Yellow Jackets are now on their fourth coordinator in as many seasons, and the defense is looking to finally be a competent unit, with Jason Semore leading the way for the defense.

There has certainly been confidence coming from the Yellow Jackets on that side of the ball. There has not been a coach that has not been complementary of how much better the defense has been, especially the defensive line.

But actions speak louder than words and Georgia Tech is going to have to prove they are better on defense. Until they do that, there are going to be questions about them.

Colorado might not be among the nation's best offenses, but their new scheme teamed up with their talent they acquired in the transfer portal will make them a tough cover. Brennan Marion has been a successful play caller at his different stops, former blue-chip QB prospect Julian Lewis could be a perfect fit in the offense, and the Buffaloes acquired legitimate playmakers at receiver in the portal.

But like Georgia Tech, Colorado is going to have to prove it is better on both sides of the ball than last year.

The Buffaloes' offense vs the Yellow Jackets' defense is going to be a key matchup in the first game of the season.

Will Georgia Tech's inexperienced receiver group be ready?

Jordan Allen Georgia Tec — Sep 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Jordan Allen (85) runs after a catch against the Temple Owls in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Georgia Tech's coaching staff has been impressed with how the receiver group has progressed in fall camp, but they are not going to have any chances to warm up against a low-level G6 team or FCS opponent. Colorado is not like the Ohio State's or Miami's on defense, but facing a new scheme with new players in the first game of the season provides its challenges.

Jordan Allen is the only receiver on the Yellow Jackets who has caught a pass against a power-four opponent. He is expected to be a fixture in the offense, alongside Isaiah Fuhrmann and converted cornerback Dalen Penson. Third-year receiver Debron Gatling and the four freshmen, Darnell Collins, Coi Jean-Noel, J.J. Winston, and Kentrell Davis, are also in the mix to play early for Georgia Tech.

The early season tests against the Buffaloes and Volunteers are going to tell us a lot about this Georgia Tech receiver group.

Is the remade offensive line ready?

Ethan Mackenny Georgia Tec — Sep 16, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets offensive linemen Ethan Mackenny (78) lines up prior to the snap against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Georgia Tech is losing some major contributors from last year's offensive line, a position that has been one of the strength's of the program under Key.

Keylan Rutledge was a first-round NFL Draft Pick, Joe Fusile ran out of eligibility, and both Harrison Moore and Tana-Alo Tupuola transferred.

Ethan Mackenny is back at left tackle and has been getting praise from Key and OL coach Allen Mogridge for his leadership during fall camp. Alabama transfer Joseph Ionata has been an impact player since arriving from Tuscaloosa, but there have been other position battles to figure out who is going to start alongside them.

Second-year guard Kevin Peay Jr looks poised to start at left guard, Malachi Carney and Markell Samuel have been battling at right guard, and Jameson Riggs seems poised to be the right tackle.

With a few shuffling parts and some new starters, will the Yellow Jackets offense remain one of the best in the ACC?

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