Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King leads the Yellow Jackets with a spread-option offense. As the Pop-Tarts Bowl approaches, King chose to play, a decision that demonstrates his deep commitment to the program and his teammates as he prepares for his final game.
Georgia Tech QB Haynes King Discusses Playing in Bowl Game
For players not in the College Football Playoff, bowl games require tough decisions, as many opt out to prepare for the transfer portal or the NFL Draft. King, however, prioritized commitment and chose to play, sharing his detailed reasoning.
“I wanna play for my teammates,” he said, per Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chad Bishop. “We’ve put time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears all into this season. And it’s not over yet. I’m not one to jump ship and quit. I wanna ride it out and finish it with my brothers.”
Haynes King on why he felt it important to play in Pop-Tarts Bowl: “I wanna play for my teammates. We’ve put time, effort, blood, sweat and tears all into this season. And it’s not over yet. I’m not one to jump ship and quit. I wanna ride it out and finish it with my brothers.”
— Chad Bishop (@MrChadBishop) December 17, 2025
King’s skills suggest potential at the next level, but he remained with his team for unfinished business. A win would mark Tech’s first 10-win season since 2014 and its first bowl victory since 2023, significant milestones for the program and a testament to King’s dedication.
Similarly, head coach Brent Key has played a crucial role in revitalizing a once-struggling program. When King arrived from College Station, he helped shift the team’s culture and overall approach.
Although the offense still shows glimpses of its triple-option heritage, this version of the Yellow Jackets relies more on vertical passing, challenging opposing defenses and reflecting the team’s evolving identity. Opponents can no longer stack the box and dare Tech to throw.
King led the offense to a 64th-place ranking in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric. While that overall ranking may not appear impressive, Georgia Tech’s running game ranked among the nation’s best. Together, King and running back Michael Hosley rushed for 1,556 yards and scored 22 rushing touchdowns this season, highlighting the team’s strength on the ground.
Meanwhile, BYU also aims to cap its season with a bowl win. The Cougars, led by breakout freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, a dual threat in his own right, will not hold back.
King’s final game promises a fast-paced, high-energy contest. As he plays his last 60 minutes in a Georgia Tech uniform, he will aim to deliver one more memorable performance. Most importantly, sharing the field with teammates who stood by him throughout his journey means everything as he closes his college career and looks ahead.
