Georgia Tech Debuts at No. 3 In ESPN's ACC Power Rankings

Oct 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (11) takes a handoff from quarterback Zach Pyron (5) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech could be ready for a breakthrough season in Brent Key's third season.

The Yellow Jackets return a good mixture of veteran talent while also adding in freshmen from one of the best recruiting classes in program history. They supplemented that talent in the transfer portal with veteran additions in the winter and spring transfer windows as well, and that has fans and analysts alike feeling optimistic that Georgia Tech will be a top-half team in the ACC this season. Can they be something more?

In the newly released ACC Power Rankings from ESPN, the Yellow Jackets check in at No. 3, right behind Clemson and Miami:

"What Brent Key has done to get Georgia Tech back to relevance is impressive, and his team really mirrors his personality: hard-nosed, tough, and not intimidated by anyone. Georgia Tech has six wins over ranked foes under Key, and that doesn't include an eight-OT loss to Georgia last season. Tech is ready for the big time."

The Yellow Jackets were also put in the second tier of CFP contenders with Miami, Louisville, and SMU:

"Clemson enters the season as the overwhelming favorite to win the ACC, but there is a group just behind the Tigers that will have every opportunity to compete for a playoff spot. Just like last season, Miami is in that mix, with Carson Beck now leading the way at quarterback. Coach Mario Cristobal says he believes the changes the Hurricanes made across the board on defense (a new coordinator plus an overhaul through the portal) fixed the issues that cost them a CFP spot a season ago. Miami should also have the best offensive line in the conference. Early-season tests against Notre Dame and Florida will provide some answers.

SMU made the playoff a year ago and returns quarterback Kevin Jennings, though the schedule degree of difficulty increases. Louisville not only has USC transfer Miller Moss at quarterback, but the best 1-2 running back combination in the league with Isaac Brown and Duke Watson. Georgia Tech showed flashes a year ago. This could be the season the Jackets put it all together with Haynes King returning under center."

Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (10) throws a pass during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Athens, Ga., on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. | Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Placing the Yellow Jackets at third was almost right in line with where they were voted in the ACC preseason poll, where they were picked to finish fourth, behind Clemson, Miami, and Louisville.

Here are the full results of the preseason poll with first place votes in parentheses:

1. Clemson (167)

2. Miami (7)

3. SMU (2)

4. Georgia Tech (2)

5. Louisville

6. Duke

7. Florida State (4)

8. North Carolina

9. Pitt

10. NC State

11. Virginia Tech (1)

12 Syracuse

13. Boston College

14. Virginia

15. California

16. Wake Forest

17. Stanford

Georgia Tech is going to get an early shot at facing the preseason favorite in the conference. Clemson comes to Georgia Tech in week three and if the Yellow Jackets can pull the upset, they will set themselves up well for the rest of the conference slate. Georgia Tech avoids Miami, SMU, Louisville, and Florida State this season, giving them their most favorable ACC slate on paper in some time. Can they take advantage of it?