Georgia Tech’s Aidan Birr and Justice Haynes are dominating preseason hype, earning all-America nods and first-team all-ACC honors—Birr on third team, Haynes on fourth—with offensive tackle Ethan Mackenny joining them. Birr, a Lou Groza Award finalist, shattered school records for field goals, while Haynes, back in Atlanta after a stellar Michigan stint, averaged over 120 yards per game and scored touchdowns at a high clip. The offensive line, led by Mackenny and Malachi Carney, is praised for elite rushing support and minimal sacks allowed. On defense, Kyle Efford and E.J. Lightsey lead the team in tackles, with Efford setting a three-year consecutive record. These honors follow strong preseason buzz from Phil Steele, as Georgia Tech finishes last season 9-4, ranked 24th nationally, and remains a consistent ACC powerhouse. The Yellow Jackets open the 2026 season on September 3rd against Colorado, facing a loaded schedule and high expectations.

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