College Sports Established
1896
Location
Atlanta, Georgia
College Name
Georgia Institute of Technology
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1979 – Present / ACC
1975 - 1979 / Metro Conference
1933 - 1975 / Independent
1921 - 1933 / Southern Conference
1896 - 1921 / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Yellow Jackets - The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are among the NCAA's most iconic college teams. Their signature gold and white colors have become an instantly recognizable symbol of excellence on and off the field. But where did this nickname come from? It turns out that there is a fascinating story behind it all!
In 1904, during a baseball game between Georgia Tech and rival school Cumberland College (now University of Tennessee at Chattanooga), something peculiar happened: The entire team was wearing yellow jackets for protection against stinging insects. This caught the attention of onlookers, who began referring to them as “the Yellow Jackets,” – which eventually became their official nickname.
Fast forward more than 100 years later, and you can still find fans donning yellow jackets while cheering on their beloved team at games across America! Many students even wear these protective garments when attending classes or events related to Georgia Tech athletics – further solidifying its place in history as one of college football’s most iconic nicknames ever created!
So next time you see someone sporting a bright yellow jacket with pride while representing their favorite school's sports teams - make sure to thank them for keeping alive this unique tradition that has been around since 1904!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 4
1990, 1952, 1928, 1917
Soccer 0
- 1952
- 1986
- 1990
- 2004
- 2010
- 2014
-
Georgia Tech’s football team wins national championship
In 1952: Georgia Tech’s football team wins its second national championship after finishing 12-0 and defeating Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. -
Mark Price the Yellow Jacket
Standing at 6 feet (183 cm) tall, Price played college basketball at Georgia Tech. During his time playing on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets men’s basketball team, he was a two-time All American and four-time All ACC basketball player who helped lead the Yellow Jackets to an ACC Championship his junior year by defeating North Carolina in the ACC Tournament championship ... -
GT Yellow Jackets NCAA Football Champs 1990
The Jackets posted an undefeated 11–0–1 record. For the season the Yellow Jackets offense scored 379 points while the defense allowed 186 points. Highlights from the season included a nationally televised win over #1 Virginia on the road and a defeat of archrival Georgia for the second consecutive year. Georgia Tech capped off the season by defeating Nebraska, 45–21, in ... -
basketball team reaches its first Final Four
In 2004: Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team reaches its first Final Four after winning the ACC Tournament and defeating Kansas in the Elite Eight. -
Georgia Tech’s women’s basketball team first Sweet Sixteen appearance
In 2010: Georgia Tech’s women’s basketball team makes its first Sweet Sixteen appearance after defeating Georgetown in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. -
Georgia Tech’s football team wins ACC Championship
In 2014: Georgia Tech’s football team wins its fourth ACC Championship after defeating Florida State in the title game.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Yellow Jackets
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have a long and storied history in NCAA sports. The team was founded in 1892 as the Blacksmiths, but it wasn't until 1913 that they officially became known as the Yellow Jackets. Since then, they've established themselves as one of college football's elite programs with three national championships and fifteen conference titles. They've also succeeded on the basketball court with two Final Four appearances since 1985, building a notable rivalry with the Wake Forest Deacons.
The most successful era for Georgia Tech athletics came under legendary head coach Bobby Dodd from 1945-66 when he led them to seven SEC Championships and six bowl games, including an Orange Bowl victory over Missouri in 1951 which secured them a share of their first national championship title along with Tennessee who finished undefeated that season too. Dodd is also credited for establishing many traditions still seen today, such as ringing bells after wins or playing "Ramblin' Wreck" after touchdowns at home games, among others which make up what has become known today simply by fans everywhere referred to affectionately “the Georgia Tech way.”
In more recent years, Paul Johnson took over coaching duties beginning in 2007, bringing back some old-school option offense tactics while leading his teams to five consecutive bowl game victories between 2008-12 before retiring following the 2017 season, making him the second-winningest coach behind only Bobby Dodd himself having won 82% of all his games during tenure at GT (82–22). Under current head coach Geoff Collins who took the helm in 2018, the Tech football program continues its traditional excellence, building upon successes prior coaches achieved, looking forward to future full potential yet to be explored in this historical program, now entering its 130th year of existence sure continues to bring pride joy, not just Atlanta area but entire state alike!
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