Powell has been out with two major injuries since last October. Powell was leading the team with 53 tackles when he suffered a season-ending wrist injury against Indiana in Rutgers’ eighth game last season. He then tore his Achilles during a winter workout in February. His return has been one of Rutgers’ biggest offseason storylines.

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Jai Patel connected on a 24-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining to lift Rutgers to a 26-23 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday. Patel’s field goal capped a 68-yard drive after

Former Gophers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis hit the transfer portal this offseason and stayed within the conference, heading to Rutgers. Things have gotten off to a hot start after picking up a marquee 26-23 nonconference win on the road over Virginia Tech to start 3-0 on the season.

The story almost writes itself. A two-time Rutgers captain and the leader of its defense, Tyreem Powell once believed his future as a college football player was at Virginia Tech. Then, coach Greg Schiano made his return to Rutgers and targeted the Vineland standout as a priority target in his blitzkrieg recruiting push during his first week on the job in 2019.

Rutgers football improved to 3-0 after beating Virginia Tech 26-23 on Saturday at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia in their Week 4 game.