The Biggest Hurdles Georgia Tech Faces To Winning The ACC

What is in the way for the Yellow Jackets to secure an ACC title next fall?

Oct 11, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key celebrates after a victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech was in a prime position to be in an ACC title game a year ago. They couldn’t quite close the deal to seal their fate of making the title game. For the players returning, they gained great experience and what they need to do to not let it from happening again. Let’s take a deeper look at the biggest hurdles facing the Yellow Jackets in hopes of winning the ACC. 

1. Run Defense 

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive tackle Tawfiq Thomas (95) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech struggled last year with the No.88 run defense a season ago. They gave up a number of big plays on the ground and struggled against potent running attacks all season. With the teams they are facing next year, Georgia Tech will have to stop opposing rushing attacks and not let them have big games. They will play good rushing attacks like Duke, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Clemson, and Wake Forest. Pittsburgh true freshman running back Ja’Kyrian Turner rushed for 201 yards and a touchdown a season ago in Atlanta. The Yellow Jackets will face him again next fall. The Yellow Jackets were aggressive in the portal, adding six new players to ensure they fix the defensive line. Will it make a difference and help them win the ACC? 

2. Offensive Line Continuity 

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-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech will replace three positions on the offensive line next year, including very important positions on the interior of the offensive line. The Yellow Jackets will have to replace left guard, center, and right guard. The Yellow Jackets always produce a solid offensive line and one that plays at a high level. However, how long will it take for the offensive line to gel with young guys and new faces in there for the Ramblin Wreck? It won’t be easy with two of the first three games being Power 4 opponents for the Yellow Jackets. Colorado and Tennessee should have improved rosters next year. They will match up against tough defensive fronts in the ACC in Clemson, Louisville, Virginia Tech, and Duke. It won’t be easy, but continuity will play a big factor. 

3. Hitting A Midseason Lull 

Dec 27, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Malachi Hosley (0) runs with the ball against the BYU Cougars during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

This is entirely possible for the Yellow Jackets in 2026. Last year, after an 8-0 start, Georgia Tech ran into a tough stretch of the season, which ultimately derailed their chances of making it to the College Football Playoff. Next fall, the Yellow Jackets have a tough stretch of games that starts on Halloween. The Yellow Jackets will be on the road for two of the three games. They play at Pittsburgh, home vs Louisville, and at Clemson. It is probably one of the toughest stretches of the season for the Ramblin’ Wreck, and they have to make sure they handle business during the tough pockets of the season to avoid a lull. 

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