Three Questions for Georgia Tech's Offense entering 2025

The Jackets can pack a punch, but are there some concerns?

Under the guidance of Buster Faulkner, Georgia Tech’s offense has taken the steps in the right direction in his two years as the offensive coordinator. 2025 is essential, though. With a nucleus of players coming back, the time to strike is now. But as with any team, some question marks are entering the 2025 season, so what are mine?

Finding an RB2

Jamal Haynes is great. Let’s start there. I don’t think it’s much of an argument to say that he is a top ten returning back in the country. His ability to make plays both in the passing and running game easily pencils him in as one of the more dynamic weapons in the ACC. Here’s the kicker, though: you can’t run him into the ground. Haynes is the type of player who can change the game and is a building block for a playoff-caliber team. However, if Haynes has to shoulder too much of the load, then that might not bode well for the overall performance of the team.

The Jackets added transfer running back Malachi Hosley, who should provide some thump to the running back rotation. While his success came at a lower level, Hosley is a legitimate option to garner carries this fall. Trelain Maddox is the wildcar, though. The former Parkview standout has been hampered by injuries, but should be a viable weapon this fall. Chad Alexander has also demonstrated an ability to be counted at times.

All great teams need to have at least two viable options at the running back spot. If Georgia Tech can identify that early on, the ceiling for the offense increases dramatically.

CREDIT: USA TODAY

Wideouts have to step up

Losing Eric Singleton is a blow, no matter how you cut it. However, the additions of Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson should lessen the blow and cover it up altogether. Rivers is looking to capitalize on an All-American type of season last year at FIU, while Patterson is a high-floor type of player who can give consistent reps week in and week out. I’m also watching for Bailey Stockton and Isiah Canion to take some significant steps forward, while also keeping an eye on Zion Taylor.

But why does this all matter? The wideout position doesn’t have to be elite in Atlanta for the Jackets to have success, but one of the biggest questions heading into this season for me is the spacing. With Singleton gone, Georgia Tech will have to establish a new threat to keep opposing defenses honest. Malik Rutherford is going to be a valuable target, but without Singleton, defenses will be trained on where he is along the formation. Faulkner needs to establish connections early on and showcase the threat that this receiving corps can pose.

Offensive line can’t skip a beat

Geep Wade has done a good job developing the offensive line, so for many fans, it has become clockwork to expect this unit to continue chugging along. However, three starters are gone from the unit in Corey Robinson (transfer), Weston Franklin, and Jordan Williams (NFL/Graduation). While the depth has been stacked, now it’s time to see where the development lies. Who’s ready to step up at center and take on all the responsibilities that go along with playing that spot? Are the transfer additions enough to help along the outside at the tackle spots? Are the young guys ready to step up and assume larger roles?

I’m circling that Clemson game as a big one in week three, where the Jackets need to have it figured out to win. The Tigers' front seven might be the best in the country and will provide a litmus test opportunity for Wade and Key to measure this offensive line against.