Last week, we wrote about Georgia Tech’s surprising placement in the initial College Football Playoff Committee rankings and how the Yellow Jackets were being overlooked in favor of ACC rival Virginia. Many Tech fans felt the committee had not given Brent Key’s team the respect it deserved. Despite losing just their first game, and having one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
They were penalized for losing their most recent game, and an awful defensive peformance. Now, the tables have turned. The Virginia loss to Wake Forest has seemed to shift peoples thoughts back to Georgia Tech.
Now, momentum is swinging in the Jackets’ favor. On3’s JD Pickell posted his projected College Football Playoff rankings on X ahead of Tuesday night’s reveal, and Georgia Tech made a significant jump. Pickell predicts the Yellow Jackets will land at No. 11, making them the highest-ranked ACC team in the field.
His projected Top 12 reads:
- Ohio State
- Indiana
- Texas A&M
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Texas Tech
- Ole Miss
- Oregon
- Notre Dame
- Texas
- Georgia Tech
- USF (highest-ranked G5)
If Pickell’s prediction holds true, it marks a shift in national perception. Just a week ago, people thought that one bad performance with the defense meant Georgia Tech was done for the season when it came to playoff contention.
What I think the committee's playoff bracket will look like tomorrow night
— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) November 10, 2025
1. Ohio State
2. Indiana
3. Texas A&M
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. Texas Tech
7. Ole Miss
8. Oregon
9. Notre Dame
10. Texas
11. Georgia Tech (highest ranked ACC team)
12. USF (highest ranked G5 team)
Sting Em and The Yellow Jackets Are In
The reality is the Yellow Jackets control their own destiny. They win out and they will have a place at the table.
If the Jackets continue beat Boston College and Pittsburgh. They will be in the ACC championship game. They also have a final price game against the number five rank Georgia Bulldogs for the SEC that would be a huge résumé over there if they could pull that off.
Georgia Tech began this playoff conversation feeling disrespected. A week later, the narrative has changed. Most importantly, the Yellow Jackets are still in the drivers seat.
The secnd rankings of the season come out tonight on ESPN.