The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets should represent a significant challenge for the Georgia Bulldogs again in 2025. The Yellow Jackets lost in eight overtimes to Georgia last year, but return a ton of talent for the upcoming college football season.
“Those are way above my pay grade,” said Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key when asked about playing Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium instead of home. “I couldn’t care less. We could go play in Piedmont Park. I couldn’t give a crap where we play.”
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Key won’t say it, but the real reason Georgia Tech is playing Georgia at a neutral site is for money. Teams playing neutral sites earn more revenue. Just look at the Georgia-Florida game in 2026, which will be played at Mercedes-Benz due to stadium renovations taking place in Jacksonville. Georgia and Florida are both earning $7.5 million each to play in Atlanta.
Coach Brent Key of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets against the Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia Tech’s veteran team is led by sixth-year quarterback Haynes King. King is one of Georgia Tech’s 27 seniors and is one of 18 returning players that started a game for the Yellow Jackets in 2024. King made it clear he’s willing to do whatever it takes to beat Georgia or any opponent this season.
“Well, hopefully to beat them,” said King when asked about playing Georgia in 2025. “I know it’s a big rivalry game. Like you said, last two times have been really close, last one being eight overtimes. They’re a really well-coached football team, but at the end of the day, it’s to hell with Georgia, and we’re trying to beat them.”
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Georgia Tech’s recent resurgence under Brent Key has added some fire to the Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry, but coach Kirby Smart and Georgia have still won seven straight games over the Yellow Jackets dating back to 2016. However, 2025 could be the perfect storm for Georgia Tech, who has a veteran team, and plays a Georgia team that lost a ton of experience and talent to the NFL draft and transfer portal.
Despite all of Georgia Tech’s returning talent, Georgia is favored by 13.5-points, per FanDuel. The Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets will renew their rivalry again on Friday, Nov. 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET (televised on ABC).
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia Tech ready to play Georgia football anytime, anywhere
