Virginia Tech’s defense just got a major shot in the arm — and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Head coach Brent Pry and the Hokies made another strategic splash in the transfer portal on Friday afternoon, securing a key commitment from Temple linebacker Antwone Santiago, adding both experience and much-needed depth to a critical position group.
Santiago, a Connecticut native, becomes the latest defensive piece added by Virginia Tech this offseason, joining fellow transfer and former Pittsburgh standout Jordan Bass. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker appeared in 12 games for Temple last season, recording 25 tackles and notching a season-high six stops against East Carolina. With two years of eligibility remaining, he’s poised to become a significant contributor under new defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes, who brings NFL-level insight from his time with the Arizona Cardinals.
What makes Santiago’s arrival even more impactful is the situation he’s walking into. The Hokies lost linebacker Jayden McDonald to the transfer portal earlier in the spring and missed out on Hudson Miller, a Purdue transfer who opted to join Toledo. That opened the door wide for Santiago to step in and potentially challenge returning players Jaden Keller and Caleb Woodson for a starting role this fall.
Santiago earned a 69.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, but his strengths stood out: an elite 81.8 tackling grade and a 73.6 mark in run defense. These metrics suggest he could thrive in a system focused on physical, fundamental play — a perfect fit for what Siefkes and Pry are building in Blacksburg.
But don’t overlook his special teams impact either. Santiago made a game-changing play against UConn last season, blocking a punt that led to a touchdown. That kind of versatility will be a huge asset for a Hokies team looking to make noise in the ACC.
With Santiago now in the fold, Virginia Tech’s linebacker corps is deeper, stronger, and far more competitive. His commitment may not have been the most headline-grabbing move of the portal season, but it could prove to be one of the most important.
The battle for starting reps begins this summer — and Santiago is coming in ready to make his mark.