When Brent Key took over at Georgia Tech, he inherited one of the worst statistical programs in the FBS. He quickly revitalized the Yellow Jackets’ offense, but the defense lagged once again in 2023, ranking near the bottom nationally in key categories.
Last season, Key lured Tyler Santucci from Duke, where he had directed the ACC’s top-scoring defense. Santucci boosted Tech’s struggling rush and total defense by nearly 100 yards per game. Despite these gains, the defense still struggled in critical situations, ranking 117th in takeaways (11), 122nd in sacks (18), 107th in fourth-down defense (.621), and 97th in red zone defense (.872).
After the season, Santucci moved on to the NFL, and several key players entered the transfer portal. Key has now entrusted Georgia Tech’s 2025 defense to Blake Gideon, who spent four years as Texas’ safeties coach. This will be Gideon’s first season calling and orchestrating an entire defense, despite his two-time national position coach of the year accolades.
Colorado will present a challenging opener for Gideon, with a likely shift in offensive strategy around 6-1, 190-pound transfer Kaidon Salter from Liberty. Statistically outperforming Georgia Tech’s previous signal-caller Haynes King, Salter brings 5,912 yards of total offense (4,302 passing, 1,610 rushing), 66 total touchdowns, and a 20-3 record since 2023, joining an offense stacked with talent.
Backing up Salter is true freshman Julian Lewis, a familiar name to Tech fans. The back-to-back Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year and MaxPreps National Freshman and Sophomore of the Year will see snaps in packages designed to exploit his skill set.
Georgia Tech’s defensive strength lies in the middle, anchored by linebacker Kyle Efford. The 6-2, 230-pound junior led the team in tackles the past two seasons, including 64 stops in 10 games last year. He will be joined by 6-2, 235-pound junior EJ Lightsey, a former Georgia transfer moving into a full-time role.
The linebackers operate behind a revamped defensive line featuring three newcomers. Senior tackle Jordan van den Berg, a 6-3, 310-pound Penn State transfer, anchors the line. He is flanked by senior transfers Akelo Stone (Ole Miss, 6-2, 290) and Matthew Alexander (UCF, 6-3, 290), competing for the starting nose tackle role. At rush end, 6-2, 255-pound junior Brayden Manly, an All-American transfer from Mercer, pairs with 6-4, 255-pound junior AJ Hoffler (Clemson).
Colorado’s offensive line has also been retooled. Freshman All-American Jordan Seaton returns at left tackle, now 305 pounds after offseason conditioning. He is joined by graduate transfers Zylon Crisler (6-7, 340, Illinois), Zarian McGill (6-2, 320, Louisiana Tech), and Xavier Hill (6-4, 320, Memphis) on the interior. Larry Johnson (6-7, 350, Tennessee) plays right tackle. This represents Colorado’s biggest, most experienced line in years, designed to open lanes for Salter and the backfield.
The Buffs’ running back room features Micah Welch, limited by injuries last season but productive with 277 yards and 4 touchdowns, and speedy transfer DeKalon Talor (Incarnate Word), who posted 909 rush yards, 9 touchdowns, and 6 yards per carry last season, plus over 1,100 return yards.
Tight ends are expected to contribute more in both the running and passing games. Senior Sa’vell Smalls (6-3, 265) and junior transfer Zach Atkins (NWMSU) will provide blocking and receiving options.
The outcome may hinge on Colorado’s ability to establish a rushing attack against Tech’s defensive front-6, which is experienced up the middle but integrating unseasoned edge players. In the secondary, senior strong safety Cayton Powell-Lee and cornerbacks Ahmari Harvey and Rodney Shelley anchor the unit, with transfers Jy Gilmore and Kelvin Hill competing for nickel.
Despite losing its top four receivers to the NFL, Colorado returns a deep receiving corps. Dre’lon and Omarion Miller, along with grad transfer Sincere Brown (6-5, 190) and sophomore Joseph Williams (6-2, 200), offer explosive options, complemented by newcomers Hykeem Williams (6-2, 220, FSU transfer) and MaxPreps NPOY Quentin Gibson (5-9, 155).
If the Buffs revive their previously FBS-worst rushing attack and prevent Salter from relying solely on his arm, they could exploit a Tech secondary that allowed 220 passing yards per game and just 5 interceptions in 2024. Turnovers and pass-rushing struggles (18 sacks, 11 turnovers, .872 red zone defense) left Tech vulnerable last season. With a new defensive scheme and fresh faces, Gideon’s group may need time to gel, giving Colorado an opportunity for a fast start.
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