One of the strengths of the Virginia Tech football team in 2024 will be the defensive line. In addition to retaining players, the Hokies have brought several key players out of the transfer portal to solidify a line that could be one of the best in the ACC. One returning player and one transfer player have been placed on a preseason watch list for the upcoming season.

Antwaun Powell-Ryland returns to Blacksburg for another season and Duke transfer Aeneas Peebles were both named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, which is given to the best defensive player in college football.

Powell-Ryland was Virginia Tech’s best player last season with 9.5 sacks from his outside position and became a tough opponent for teams. The Florida transfer recorded 40 tackles last season, including 23 solo, and had three forced fumbles. Powell-Ryland was one of the bigger players to announce his return for the 2024 season after a win over Virginia on Thanksgiving weekend. His announcement was the start of a series of important decisions made over several weeks.

Peebles comes from the Blue Devils having made 44 tackles, including five sacks and 13 solo tackles. After joining Virginia Tech, he played in Duke’s 76th Birmingham Bowl victory over Troy and finished his Duke career with four tackles and a sack.

Both players will play big roles for defensive coordinator Chris Marve and the defense up front this fall. Peebles will man one of the tackle spots, the other to be determined during training camp, while Powell-Ryland will be another nightmare matchup for opponents at his edge spot. With those players back, as well as Josh Fuga and transfers Khurtiss Perry (Alabama), Kemari Copeland (Iowa Western Community College) and Kelvin Gilliam (Oklahoma), the front line will be exciting to watch in 2024.