Georgia Tech's offseason theme is simple: replace Haynes King with two portal additions who might make the loss easier to absorb than expected. Alberto Mendoza arrives from Indiana to take over at quarterback, while Justice Haynes, the Michigan transfer who led all arrivals at 34.0 PPA, joins him in the backfield. The broader profile here is above average overall, with an offense that grades above average, a defense that projects as roughly average, and special teams also rated above average. George Godsey steps in as offensive coordinator after time with the Baltimore Ravens, and Jason Semore takes over defensive play-calling, but the headline remains the King departure and what replaces him. Georgia Tech lost Isiah Canion to Georgia and Luke Harpring to Florida via the portal, thinning receiving-corps depth, though Gavin Harris arrives from New Mexico State to help fill the tight end void. The offense carries real continuity risk — quarterback change, concentrated target distribution, and unproven depth pieces — even as the backfield addition gives it a high floor of explosiveness.

JP+ projects 6.3 wins, a number that reflects both the talent infusion and the uncertainty of transitioning quarterbacks in one offseason. The schedule doesn't do them favors, with road trips to Georgia and Clemson and a home date against Tennessee representing the toughest tests, while Wake Forest, Boston College, and Mercer at home offer more manageable ground to build early rhythm. The gap between that projection and any loftier market expectation likely comes down to how quickly Mendoza integrates with a receiving corps that lost proven producers and how much the Haynes-led rushing attack can cover for growing pains under center. If Mendoza settles in quickly and the defense holds steady, this group is built for real ACC contention behind Haynes' workload. If the quarterback transition drags, 6.2 wins looks about right and a middle-tier bowl is the realistic outcome.