PORTAL UPDATE: Michigan State lands former Air Force rush end David Santiago
Michigan State received another commitment on Monday in former Air Force rush end David Santiago. Santiago, a redshirt freshman, announced his decision via social media after spending the weekend in East Lansing.
Santiago (6-4, 235) logged 37 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble during his two years at Air Force. He played in 10 games this fall after taking a redshirt in 2023. The Raleigh, N.C., native has three years of eligibility remaining.
Santiago is a three-star transfer prospect, per the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings. A former three-star prep product out of Raleigh (N.C.) Millbrook High School, Santiago was the No. 2,112 player in the 2023 class, per the On3 Industry Rankings. He was also the No. 215 linebacker and No. 50 player from North Carolina in his class.
Michigan State rush ends coach Chad Wilt and defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa will add Santiago and fellow edge rush transfer Anelu Lafaele (Wisconsin) to a wide-open rush end room in 2025. Sixth-year senior rush end Khris Bogle graduated from the program this offseason. The Spartans also lost rush ends Ken Talley and Avery Dunn to the transfer portal.
Michigan State will return sophomore Anthony Jones and redshirt sophomores Tyler Gillison and James Schott at the rush end position. Leonard Ah You, a class of 2025 signee originally committed to Oregon State, could join them in the room.
Top 10
- 1New
Bowl insurance
Historic policies for Hunter, Shedeur
- 2Hot
Nick Saban endorsed
Lane Kiffin suggests as commish
- 3
Diego Pavia
Vandy QB ruling forces change
- 4
Notre Dame takes shot
Announcer trolls Fighting Irish
- 5
Stephen A. Smith fires back
Beef with Kirk Herbstreit continues
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Jalen Thompson headlines the strong side defensive end position for the Spartans. Burnett and three-star high school signee Cal Thrush are set to join him at that spot next season. It remains to be seen whether sixth-year senior defensive end Quindarius Dunnigan returns for the 2025 campaign. He did not participate in senior day festivities.
Santiago represents Michigan State’s 12th transfer portal commitment of the cycle. The edge rushers join four fellow defensive additions: Lafaele, cornerback Joshua Eaton (Texas State), cornerback NiJhay Burt (Eastern Illinois), cornerback Malcolm Bell (UConn) and defensive tackle Grady Kelly (Florida State).
Michigan State also holds two wide receiver commitments from Chrishon McCoy (Kent State) and Omari Kelly (Middle Tennessee State).
The Spartans also hold commitments from former Sacramento State running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver and offensive linemen Caleb Carter (Western Carolina), Luka Vincic (Oregon State) and Matt Gulbin (Wake Forest).
