Virginia Tech Hokies News: Soccer opens with win, football preseason watch lists

In this edition of Virginia Tech Hokies News, the women's soccer team opens the season with a non-conference victory, the football team has two ranked in ESPN's Top 100 players for 2024, and more gridiron players are named to preseason watch lists.

Women's Soccer opens season with win over Campbell

The Hokies women's soccer team opened the 2024 season with a 4-0 shutout of Campbell at Thompson Field. Anna Weir, Kylie Marschall, Natalie Mitchell, and Ava Arengo scored for Tech. The Hokies have road games at James Madison, Delaware, and Monmouth before returning home on Aug. 29.

Two football players listed on ESPN Top 100

ESPN released their Top 100 players for the 2024 season and two members of the Hokies defense made the list. Duke transfer and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles was ranked No. 63 and cornerback Dorian Strong came in at No. 88.

Last season Strong had three interceptions, two in one game against Boston College, eight pass breakups and 2.8 yards allowed per target. He is a shutdown corner who defensive coordinator Chris Marve can put on the opposing team's wide receivers.

Peebles comes in from Duke and will be a key addition along the defensive line, making it one of the stronger ones in the ACC. Along next to Antwaun Powell-Ryland who is back after registering 9.5 sacks in 2023 and with Cole Nelson and a handful of transfers with Josh Fuga, this has a chance to be a stout line.

Three Hokies named to Preseason Award Watch Lists

Another day, more Hokies' football players were named to preseason award watch lists. Quarterback Kyron Drones was named to the Manning Award watch list, which is presented annually to honor the best quarterback in college football.

On the defensive side of the ball, Peebles and Powell-Ryland were named to the Lombardi Award watch list.