Virginia Tech football just got a serious defensive boost — and fans in Blacksburg have every reason to be excited.
On Friday afternoon, head coach Brent Pry landed another impactful commitment out of the transfer portal, securing Temple linebacker Antwone Santiago to bolster the Hokies’ defense heading into the 2025 season. This move follows a string of strategic portal additions and adds much-needed depth and experience to Virginia Tech’s linebacker corps.
Santiago, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound force from Connecticut, played in all 12 games for the Temple Owls last season, tallying 25 tackles, including a standout performance with six tackles against East Carolina. With two years of eligibility remaining, he’s expected to be more than just a depth piece — he’s coming in ready to compete for major playing time under defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes, the former Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach.
Joining Pittsburgh transfer Jordan Bass, Santiago represents the kind of experienced, high-upside talent the Hokies have been targeting to revamp their defensive unit. His Pro Football Focus grade of 69.4 might not turn heads at first glance, but a deeper dive shows serious upside: an 81.8 tackling grade and 73.6 run defense grade highlight his ability to plug gaps and make crucial plays.
Beyond his linebacker duties, Santiago brings special teams value as well. Last season, he made a momentum-shifting play by blocking a punt against UConn, which was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown — showcasing his knack for game-changing moments.
With Jayden McDonald exiting via the transfer portal earlier this spring, linebacker depth was becoming a concern. And after losing out on Purdue transfer Hudson Miller, who committed to Toledo, Santiago’s decision to join Virginia Tech is a major win for Pry and Siefkes.
Expect an intense position battle this summer, with Santiago pushing returners like Jaden Keller and Caleb Woodson for a starting role. His experience, versatility, and physicality make him a prime candidate to make an immediate impact — both on defense and special teams.
Bottom line? This transfer could quietly be one of the most important moves Virginia Tech makes all offseason — and it might just reshape the defense heading into the fall.