The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are facing a pivotal moment regarding their quarterback position as Haynes King prepares to play his final game on Saturday against BYU in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. King has had a remarkable impact during his tenure at Georgia Tech, revitalizing the team’s performance and consistently placing them in the top 25 rankings. With King departing, the team must now address the void he leaves, especially following the departure of Aaron Philo, who entered the transfer portal after former offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner moved to Florida.
Currently, Georgia Tech has three viable quarterbacks on its roster who could vie for the starting role next season, alongside potential additions from the transfer portal to bolster the lineup with experienced players. One notable candidate is Graham Knowles, who has bided his time and remained ready for his opportunity throughout his college career. Although he has limited playing time, Knowles made a significant impression this season with a standout 84-yard touchdown pass against Gardner-Webb, achieving an incredible passer rating of 1135.6 from that play alone.
Knowles’ development has garnered praise from his quarterbacks coach, who emphasized the importance of watching a seasoned player like King and adhering to the process of growth. The coach commented on the challenges young quarterbacks face in terms of consistency and readiness to compete at a higher level. Knowles is still in the early stages of his development, with just one live snap under his belt, but there is optimism around his potential.
As Knowles prepares to serve as the backup against BYU, the possibility of his participation can serve as a valuable audition for him as the team looks toward the 2026 season. With strong support from the coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Weinke, Knowles has an opportunity to prove his capabilities and build toward a brighter future with the Yellow Jackets.
The spotlight will be on Knowles this offseason as fans and coaches alike eagerly anticipate his progress, hoping he can emerge as a leading figure for Georgia Tech football in the years to come.