Week 1 CFB Preview: Georgia Tech Favored in Season Opener vs. Deion Sanders’ Colorado originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2025 college football season kicks off in primetime as Georgia Tech travels to Boulder for a high-stakes Friday night clash against Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes. Despite an underwhelming 2024 campaign, the Yellow Jackets enter the season opener as 3.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 56.5. Tech is coming off a seven-win season that reignited belief on The Flats, and now they return a loaded, experienced roster that could make a run at the ACC crown.
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Leading the charge is quarterback Haynes King, who threw for 2,114 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, while adding 587 yards and 11 scores on the ground. After cutting his interceptions from 16 to just two, King is poised for a breakout year. He’ll be supported by a deep running back room led by Jamal Haynes, who posted 944 rushing yards in 2024 despite injuries. Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has praised the unit’s depth, highlighting transfer Malachi Hosley, Trelain Maddox, and Anthony Carrie as valuable contributors behind Haynes.
Oct 26, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Tah’j Butler (15) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn ImagesCredit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn Images
At receiver, Georgia Tech will look different, but talent remains. Malik Rutherford returns, while FIU transfer Eric Rivers—who totaled 1,162 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024—adds explosive potential. Tight end J.T. Byrne, a Cal transfer, and veteran Brett Seither will be key in replacing NFL-bound Jackson Hawes. Up front, three starters return on the offensive line, including standout guards Keylan Rutledge and Joe Fusile. However, with some new faces in key positions, their ability to handle Colorado’s pass rush will be closely watched.
On the other side, Colorado begins the post-Sanders era after losing quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter to the NFL. Replacing them is former Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter, who brings dynamic dual-threat ability but must adjust quickly to a new system outside Jamey Chadwell’s QB-friendly offense. Highly touted freshman Julian Lewis could also make a push for early playing time, but Salter is expected to start.
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Colorado’s offensive line features a mix of new talent and transfers. Jordan Seaton, a former five-star recruit, anchors the line at left tackle. Around him, Illinois transfer Zy Crisler and Washington transfer Zarian McGill are expected to play key roles. Still, cohesion will be a concern early in the season.
The Buffaloes have also retooled their wide receiver corps following the departure of their top three pass catchers. Omarion Miller, Drelon Miller, and Florida State transfer Hykeem Williams are names to watch, but consistency remains a question. In the backfield, former Ohio State transfer Dallan Hayden will need to show improvement to spark a run game that struggled last season.
Defensively, Colorado returns key contributors like Tawfiq Thomas and Samuel Okunlola, and they’ve added Alabama transfer Jaheim Oatis to strengthen the defensive front. Linebackers Martavius French (UTSA) and Reginald Hughes (Jacksonville State) will be tasked with slowing Georgia Tech’s multifaceted ground attack. The Buffaloes’ secondary is a bright spot, led by under-the-radar corner DJ McKinney and All-Big 12 nickel Preston Hodge.
Georgia Tech’s defense, meanwhile, has some holes to fill, particularly on the defensive line. Jordan van den Berg returns in the middle, but the edge rush will rely on a mix of transfers and young talent. The linebacker unit is deep and experienced, featuring returners like Kyle Efford and E.J. Lightsey, as well as portal additions Melvin Jordan and Cayman Spaulding. In the secondary, Ahmari Harvey leads a group with solid depth, but the corner spot opposite him remains up for grabs.
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Ultimately, this game may hinge on quarterback play and line-of-scrimmage battles. Georgia Tech holds the edge in experience, especially at quarterback, running back, and offensive line. However, Colorado’s raw talent and home-field advantage at Folsom Field make this a compelling Week 1 matchup. Expect a fast-paced, high-energy game with national implications—and potentially the beginning of something big for one of these programs.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
