Virginia Tech is preparing for the 2026 college football season with a linebackers corps that blends proven contributors and promising newcomers.
Key returnees and their impact
Among the returnees, Antwone Santiago arrives after a 2025 transfer that yielded 35 tackles, including 25 in the 2024 campaign. Kaleb Spencer led the team last season with 67 tackles and 9.0 tackles for loss, establishing himself as a defensive anchor. George Ballance, Gabe Williams and freshman Noah Chambers added 44, 30 and 30 tackles respectively, with Chambers also recording two tackles for loss and a sack as a rookie.
New faces bring experience and upside
The influx of new talent includes Keon Wylie, who tallied 28 tackles at Penn State in 2025 after missing the prior year due to injury, and Curtis Jones, who logged 24 stops at West Virginia with three TFLs and a sack. Mathieu Lamah earned VHSL Class 6 Region B First‑Team Defense honors after a 101‑tackle season, while Terry Wiggins, a unanimous four‑star recruit ranked No. 27 nationally among outside linebackers by ESPN, brings elite pedigree. John‑Patrick Oates also joins the mix, adding depth and versatility.
Coaching staff projections list Noah Chambers and Kaleb Spencer as the expected starters, but the biggest question mark revolves around the unit’s consistency behind them. The depth chart features a mix of experienced veterans and untested backups, raising concerns about reliability when injuries or fatigue strike.
If the staff can harness the blend of proven production and untapped potential, the linebackers could become a cornerstone of Virginia Tech’s defense. The combination of seasoned leaders and high‑upside recruits suggests a unit capable of growth, yet the answer will depend on how quickly chemistry develops and whether the supporting cast can deliver steady performance.