Georgia Tech Leaps Into ESPN's Future College Football Power Rankings
Georgia Tech Leaps Into ESPN's Future College Football Power Rankings originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
A sleeping giant may be stirring on North Avenue.
For the first time in recent memory, Georgia Tech has cracked ESPN's College Football Future Power Rankings, coming in at No. 31, a remarkable leap for a program left off the list entirely in past years.
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While they're not yet among the sport's elite, this appearance marks a pivotal turning point for the Yellow Jackets as they gear up for 2025 and 2026 with rising optimism, a strengthened roster, and growing national respect.
It starts under center. Haynes King, returning for his final year, has been the program's steadying force, quietly becoming one of the ACC's most efficient signal callers. In 2024, King completed 72.9% of his passes for 2,114 yards with just two interceptions in 269 attempts, a stunning turnaround from his earlier years.
While ESPN flags the long-term quarterback situation as uncertain beyond King, there's quiet confidence in redshirt freshman Aaron Philo, who could emerge with development.
Head coach Brent Key, a former Tech offensive lineman, has engineered this turnaround the way linemen do, with grit in the trenches. The Jackets return one of the nation's top guard duos in Keylan Rutledge (2024 first-team All-ACC) and Joe Fusile, and boast Ethan Mackenny, a rising star who started eight games at left tackle as a true freshman.
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On the defensive front, Jordan van den Berg leads a revamped line bolstered by transfers Brayden Manley (Mercer) and Akelo Stone (Ole Miss).
Roster management remains a point of strength under Key. Despite losing playmaker Eric Singleton Jr. and linebacker Romello Height, Tech held firm to its offensive nucleus: King, Jamal Haynes, Malik Rutherford, and others who powered the team to wins over ranked competition in 2024.
Key's recruiting footprint is growing fast. Georgia Tech's 2025 class is ranked No. 19 nationally, up from No. 34 in 2024, showcasing momentum that fans haven't seen in years.
With Buster Faulkner returning as offensive coordinator, widely praised for his creativity, Tech's offense is poised to take another step. On defense, Blake Gideon steps into his first coordinator role, a high-stakes move that could define the Jackets' ability to sustain success.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key on the sideline against the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Landing at No. 31 may not make headlines in Tuscaloosa or Columbus, but for Georgia Tech fans, it means something real is building. A modern offense. A homegrown coach. A rising recruiting profile. And finally, national recognition from ESPN.
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It's not just a ranking. It's validation.
And it's only the beginning.
Related: Why Georgia Tech Could Be the ACC's Dark Horse in 2025
Related: Georgia Tech Football's CFP Odds Leaves Fans in Disbelief
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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