Virginia Tech Bolsters Linebacker Depth with Impactful Transfer from Temple
The Hokies just made a significant addition to their defensive lineup with the commitment of Temple linebacker Antwone Santiago, a physical and versatile defender with two years of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound redshirt junior announced his decision on Friday, marking the fifth addition for Virginia Tech in the spring transfer window, and a much-needed reinforcement for a thin linebacker corps heading into 2025.
Santiago brings valuable experience to Blacksburg, logging 240 career snaps over his time with the Owls. In the 2024 season, he emerged as Temple’s No. 2 “Will” linebacker, tallying 25 tackles across 12 games, including a standout performance with six tackles against East Carolina. His production wasn’t just solid—it was efficient. According to Pro Football Focus, Santiago earned a 69.4 overall grade, a strong 73.6 in run defense, and an impressive 81.8 tackling grade over just 145 snaps.
But Santiago’s value doesn’t stop at defense. He’s a proven asset on special teams as well—his blocked punt at UConn last season led to a touchdown. That kind of versatility and hustle is exactly what head coach Brent Pry and defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes are looking for as they reshape their defense.
Originally from Meriden, Connecticut, Santiago was a standout two-way player at Platt High School, where he played both wide receiver and safety. As a senior, he earned all-state honors on both sides of the ball, showcasing his athleticism with 492 receiving yards and five touchdowns, along with an average of nine tackles per game.
Despite being unranked coming out of high school, Santiago chose Temple over offers from schools like Central Connecticut State and Rhode Island. Now, he’s headed to one of the ACC’s most rapidly developing defenses.
His arrival couldn’t come at a better time. With Jordan Bass recovering from injury, Gabe Williams also sidelined, and three true freshmen in the linebacker room, the Hokies are in desperate need of experience and depth. Santiago joins a transfer class that also includes CB Caleb Brown (Hawaii) and DLs Kody Huisman (NDSU) and Elhadj Fall (Georgia Southern), all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles.
Santiago may not have been a household name, but with his physicality, experience, and special teams impact, he could quickly become a key piece of Virginia Tech’s 2025 defense.