The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets represent one of the most respected programs in college sports. With excellence in Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football, basketball, and baseball, the team has built a proud tradition of winning and innovation. Their passionate fans and historic rivalries continue to shape the program’s identity across multiple sports today.
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!
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Origin
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
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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.
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets History
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have a proud and storied tradition in NCAA athletics. Originally founded as the Blacksmiths in 1892, the program officially adopted the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets name in 1913. Since then, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team has emerged as one of the nation’s elite programs, winning three national championships and fifteen conference titles. The program’s success has also extended to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets basketball, which has produced two Final Four appearances since 1985. Over the decades, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have also become a respected force in Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball, creating intense rivalries across multiple sports.
The golden era of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football came under legendary head coach Bobby Dodd, who led the team from 1945 to 1966. During this time, the Jackets captured seven SEC Championships and appeared in six bowl games. A landmark Orange Bowl victory over Missouri in 1951 secured a share of their first national championship title, alongside Tennessee. Coach Dodd also established traditions still celebrated today, such as ringing the bell after victories and playing “Ramblin’ Wreck” after touchdowns at home games, shaping the identity of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets team.
In later decades, head coach Paul Johnson revived the classic option offense after taking over in 2007. Under his leadership, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team achieved five consecutive bowl appearances between 2008 and 2012 and became a consistent contender again. Johnson retired as the second-winningest coach in program history, behind only Bobby Dodd. His era reinforced the “Georgia Tech way” and connected modern players to the program’s rich heritage.
Yellow Jackets Legacy
Today, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets team is led by head coach Brent Key, who took over in 2022 with a focus on rebuilding the football program and enhancing its competitiveness in the ACC. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets basketball continues to produce standout athletes, and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball maintains a strong reputation for developing professional-level talent. This multi-sport excellence keeps the program among the most respected in the NCAA.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have earned numerous accolades beyond championships. The football program boasts Heisman Trophy winners, All-Americans, and numerous NFL stars. In basketball, the Jackets have reached multiple NCAA tournaments and continue to develop NBA-caliber players. The baseball program has produced several Major League standouts and consistently ranks among the top in the ACC. These achievements demonstrate that the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets team is not just historic but also a constant force in collegiate athletics.
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