Virginia Tech football: 4-star DL James Buchanan commits to Hokies

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The Virginia Tech Hokies have been on a roll recently on the recruiting trail. While the 2026 squad has been busy with spring practice, head coach James Franklin and his staff have hosted numerous recruits. It’s led to three commitments since March 19 — all out-of-state players and defensive linemen.

On Thursday, the Hokies added another one, as four-star defensive lineman James Buchanan became Virginia Tech’s latest commitment. Buchanan, a 6-foot-3.5, 260-pounder from the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland, plays on the edge currently, but possesses the type of frame to eventually move inside.

Several colleges were recruiting Buchanan as a defensive tackle, but will Tech give him a chance at defensive end. Buchanan weighed in on his position earlier this year.

Here’s Buchanan’s commitment announcement:

How impressive was this addition? Regardless of position, Buchanan had offers from Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana, LSU, Georgia, Oregon and Tennessee, among others.

Again, Virginia Tech wasn’t even in the conversation for these types of players before James Franklin arrived. His arrival, alongside defensive line coach Sean Spencer and VT’s renewed commitment to football has the Hokies in a much better position moving forward.

Spencer joins Alexander Taylor (Baltimore, Md.), Brock Frisby (Severn, Md.), and Xavier Perkins (Durham, N.C.) in Virginia Tech’s 2027 recruiting class.

With the spring game on Saturday, who knows, more good news could be coming for the Hokies.

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