Confidence is surging through Bobby Dodd Stadium as Georgia Tech prepares for the upcoming college football season. ACC media voters have officially picked the Yellow Jackets to finish fifth in the highly competitive 17-team conference, signaling strong belief in the program’s upward trajectory under head coach Brent Key.

   The selection mirrors Georgia Tech’s steady emergence as a top-tier ACC contender, having outpaced preseason projections for three consecutive seasons. The Yellow Jackets garnered 2,006 total points from 188 media voters, notably securing two first-place votes as they look to build upon last year’s second-place conference tie.

  Complementing the team’s high expectations, seven standout individual players have been named to major national award watch lists, solidifying the team’s elite talent pool across offense, defense, and special teams:

   Haynes, Hosley Doak Walker Nominees – Georgia Tech senior running backs Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley are both among the 62 honorees on the official preseason watch list for the 2026 Doak Walker Award.

   Efford Named to Butkus Award Watch List: Tech fifth-year linebacker Kyle Efford has been named to the Butkus Award Watch List, presented each year to the nation’s top collegiate linebacker.

   Haynes Tabbed for Maxwell Award: Leading the charge, explosive senior running back Justice Haynes has earned a spot on the prestigious Maxwell Award watch list, presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football. The highly touted Alabama and Michigan transfer returns home to the Atlanta area as a premier national threat.

   Birr Eyes Kicking Honors: Clutch kicker Aidan Birr has been named to the Lou Groza Award watch list. Birr, a previous finalist for the national placekicker of the year honor, holds school records for deep field goals and game-winning kicks.

   Corbo Named to Mackey Watch List: Graduate transfer tight end Chris Corbo has been selected for the John Mackey Award watch list. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound target joins Tech as a two-time FCS All-American out of Dartmouth.

   Carney Anchors Line on Outland List: Dominant fifth-year offensive lineman Malachi Carney has locked in a spot on the Outland Trophy watch list. Recognized as one of only 17 guards on the prestigious list, the former South Alabama transfer earned All-ACC honorable mention honors last season after starting all 13 games at right tackle.

   Walker Recognized on Wuerffel Trophy List: Fifth-year defensive end Jordan Walker has been named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watch list. The award recognizes college football’s premier leader in community service and community impact.

   With fall camp underway, the Yellow Jackets boast a rare combination of explosive playmakers, veteran linemen, and proven special teams units. Opponents can no longer afford to overlook Georgia Tech, as Coach Key’s squad now possesses both the critical depth and individual star power to challenge for an ACC championship.