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

TL;DR

Four-star defensive lineman James Buchanan has committed to Virginia Tech, adding to the Hokies' strong recruiting class. Buchanan, from Owings Mills, Maryland, had offers from several top programs including Ohio State and LSU.

Key points

James Buchanan is a four-star defensive lineman.
He is 6-foot-3.5 and weighs 260 pounds.
Buchanan is from the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland.
He had multiple offers from top programs before committing to Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech's recruiting has improved under head coach James Franklin.

James BuchananVirginia Tech HokiesOhio StateMichigan

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 07: Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Josh Fuga (6) celebrates after making a sack during a college football game between the Marshall Thundering Herd and the Virginia Tech Hokies on September 7, 2024, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images 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, 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.

Q&A

What position will James Buchanan play at Virginia Tech?

James Buchanan is currently playing on the edge but may eventually move inside to defensive tackle.

Which colleges were interested in James Buchanan before his commitment?

Buchanan received offers from Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana, LSU, Georgia, Oregon, and Tennessee, among others.

How does James Franklin's arrival impact Virginia Tech's recruiting?

James Franklin's arrival has significantly improved Virginia Tech's recruiting efforts, allowing them to attract higher caliber players like Buchanan.