Virginia Tech’s defensive standout Antwaun Powell-Ryland has suffered a groin injury during a routine training session earlier this week, sources close to the Hokies football program confirmed on Saturday. The injury, though not believed to be season-threatening at this stage, has raised concerns within the program as the team continues preparations for the upcoming college football season.
Powell-Ryland, a key figure in Virginia Tech’s defensive unit, reportedly sustained the injury during a non-contact drill on Wednesday afternoon. Initial evaluations by the team’s medical staff indicated a moderate strain to the adductor muscle group, which forms a crucial part of the groin. The defensive end was immediately removed from training and has since undergone further assessment, including imaging to determine the full extent of the damage.
Head coach Brent Pry addressed the media briefly following Saturday’s spring walkthrough, acknowledging the injury but urging patience. “Antwaun is one of our core leaders on defense, and it’s always tough to see a guy go down, especially in the spring. We’re going to be cautious with his recovery and make sure he gets the best treatment possible. Right now, it’s a week-to-week situation.”
The groin injury comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Hokies, who have been emphasizing defensive cohesion during spring practices. Powell-Ryland was expected to play a pivotal role in anchoring a defensive line that has undergone several adjustments during the offseason. In 2024, the Florida native led the Hokies in sacks and was widely viewed as a potential All-ACC candidate heading into the fall.
Team physicians have not released an official timeline for Powell-Ryland’s return, but sources suggest he could be sidelined for several weeks, depending on how his rehabilitation progresses. Groin injuries can vary significantly in severity and recovery time, with factors such as muscular damage, swelling, and mobility playing key roles in determining readiness for return to play.
Teammates have expressed support and optimism for Powell-Ryland’s recovery. Senior linebacker Keli Lawson noted, “Antwaun is one of the hardest-working guys on this team. If anyone’s going to bounce back from something like this stronger, it’s him. We’ve got his back and we’re going to hold it down while he heals up.”
Virginia Tech is scheduled to open its 2025 season on August 30 against Liberty University, giving Powell-Ryland just over three months to recover and return to game form. In the meantime, redshirt sophomore CJ McCray and transfer lineman Noah Palandech are expected to see increased reps in practice as defensive line coach J.C. Price evaluates depth chart options.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Powell-Ryland’s recovery in the coming weeks. For now, the Hokies’ defensive line must adjust to a temporary absence of one of its most explosive pass rushers — a situation that could test the unit’s resilience ahead of what promises to be a challenging ACC campaign.
