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.

Jai Patel connected on a 24-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining to lift Rutgers to a 26-23 victory over Virginia Tech.

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.