Tyreem Powell finally made it back. And we’re not just talking about his prolonged injury absences. The Rutgers linebacker returned to the he place he originally wanted to call home Saturday, bringing his college football story full circle in a moment — and victory — he’ll remember forever.

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.