Kaden Buchanan, Friendship Christian 2027 OL, commits to Virginia Tech football

Friendship Christian offensive lineman Kaden Buchanan committed to Virginia Tech on May 25.

The 6-foot-4, 330-pound guard narrowed his list to three schools on May 3, including Virginia Tech, Kentucky and NC State. Missouri was among his top four in April, but dropped out when Buchanan announced his three finalists a month later.

"Overall, Virginia Tech felt like home," Buchanan told The Tennessean. "I visited multiple (colleges) and Virginia Tech was just where I felt I'm supposed to be.

"(Virginia Tech coach) James Franklin coming from a winning background played a big part in my decision but also the culture at that school really fits me. It's a college town. Everybody comes out to support that school and its teams. And I just love the people there."

Buchanan is a three-star prospect ranked No. 21 in Tennessee out of the 2027 class, according to 247Sports Composite. He's the nation's No. 28-ranked interior offensive lineman who also holds offers from defending national champion Indiana, Colorado, North Carolina, Cincinnati and Maryland.

Buchanan, who can play guard and center, said Virginia Tech gave him a developmental plan that included a chance to compete for a starting position by his sophomore year. Buchanan also stressed the desire to get meaningful playing time as a freshman.

"Every college had the expectation that I would have the ability and potential to start with a little bit of work. I see myself maybe as a second-year starter, but I'm going to work my butt off to play as a freshman. So I look forward to competing for that chance."

Buchanan said he'll take an official visit to Virginia Tech on May 29 where he'll get a chance to become more familiar with Blacksburg.

"This is about school and football," he said. "Blacksburg is a place I fell in love with immediately. It was very, very big in my decision. I wanted to be somewhere where I'm comfortable, and I can see myself being able to focus on school and football there."

Buchanan has anchored Friendship Christian's offensive line for the past three seasons. Last fall, Friendship Christian had 4,047 yards of offense, including 2,233 yards rushing. The Commanders were 9-3, advancing to the TSSAA football Division II-A state quarterfinals. Friendship Christian is 27-10 during Buchanan's tenure that includes a state championship appearance in 2023.

Reach The Tennessean's high school sports editor, George Robinson, at georgerobinsontheleafchronicle.com and on the X platform (formerly Twitter) @Cville_Sports. 

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kaden Buchanan, 2027 OL, commits to Virginia Tech football