On Wednesday, the Preseason Watch List for the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl was released and a dozen Virginia Tech players made the list. It’s quite a talented list of Hokies who have a chance to get to Mobile, Alabama ahead of the 2025 Draft in Green Bay next April.

The 12 Hokies who landed on the list were linebacker Sam Brumfield, cornerback Mansoor Delane, quarterback Kyroin Drones, wide receiver Da’Quan Felton, wide receiver Ali Jennings, wide receiver Jaylin Lane, linebacker Kelli Lawson, offensive lineman Kaden Moore, defensive edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland, defensive back Jalen Stroman, defensive back Dorian Strong and running back Bhayshul Tuten. Again, one name was missing from the rather surprising list.

The 12 players on the list show how good the Hokies can be this season, but Peebles not being on the list is a huge, glaring omission. I understand not everyone can make the watch list and I’m not sure anyone should be left off the list, but Peebles is just as good as many of the players on the list, that’s a mystery.

Expect Peebles to use that as motivation this season, and it could spell bad news for opposing offenses. Vanderbilt is Virginia Tech’s first team, and expect Peebles’ name to be called early and often. Motivation can be a good thing for a player, no matter the sport.